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State announces China agricultural trade mission

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State officials representing Michigan agriculture have announced a trade mission to China this fall. 

A number of  Michigan companies - representing goods from potato chips to whisky - will accompany state officials to meet with prospective Chinese buying groups. 

Jamie Zmitko-Somers is with the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. She said she’s hopeful Michigan companies will be able to rely on established relationships to avoid taking too much of a hit from the ongoing U.S.-China trade war.

“Things that are happening at the federal level have not made things easy for our companies that are exporting. But many of the companies that are really engaged in exporting realizing that it is a long-term commitment.”

Zmitko-Somers said Chinese buyers are particularly interested in Michigan cherries, blueberries, and apples. The trade trip is scheduled for November.