Utah Commissioner of Agriculture and Food (UDAF), Leonard Blackham took the opportunity to pitch expanded agricultural trade with Argentina during talks about water and irrigation issues with one of the country’s provincial governors at the State Capitol.

Along with Governor Angel Eduardo Masa, Commissioner Blackham met with nearly a dozen agriculture and other Argentinian officials who traveled to Utah to investigate methods to improve water and irrigation practices.

“Our meeting was beneficial for both countries,” said Commissioner Blackham. “Our conversation about water resources opened the way for possible expanded trade relations between Argentina and Utah,” he added.

Commissioner Blackham, along with Deputy Commissioner Kyle Stephens and Marketing Director, Jed Christensen, outlined Utah’s highly successful partnership between the UDAF, Utah State University Extension Service, the Utah Conservation Districts, and the U.S.D.A. Natural Resource Conservation Service. The partnership helps Utah farmers and ranchers use water more efficiently, as well as put valuable conservation practices to use.

Commissioner Blackham also outlined the department’s ARDL (Agriculture Resource Development Loan) program that makes low-interest loans available to farmers to develop or improve irrigation systems.

Both leaders commented on the possibility of expanding export efforts during future meetings.

The meeting was facilitated by the Utah Department of Community and Economic Development.

Angel Masa is governor of the Northern province of La Rioja in Argentina which mainly exports olives and grapes. Argentina’s worldwide exports include beef, olives, grapes, soybeans, corn and tobacco. Utah’s worldwide exports include livestock, alfalfa hay, dairy products and other items.

Posted May 11, 2005