Ames, Ia. – Iowa beef producers Scott Heater, Wapello, and Dean Black, Somers, participated in an Iowa Meat Trade Mission to Dominican Republic and Costa Rica in late February. Heater, chairman of the Iowa Beef Industry Council, explained that the mission was exploratory in nature to determine if there is additional market opportunities for U.S. quality beef in these Central American countries.

“A major part of the economies of Dominican Republic and Costa Rica is from tourism. Two thirds of the tourists are from North America and want to enjoy high quality U.S. beef when they dine.  The resorts and restaurants want to offer this beef to meet their guest’s demand.  In visits with importers and distributers the message was clear; they can trust the U.S. in supplying a great tasting, quality, and safe product,” claimed Black.

“The U.S. is the largest importer of agricultural products to the Dominican Republic with an average increase of 15% since the implementation of the Central America Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) in 2007. We had the opportunity to visit quite a few of the meat processors and supermarkets that import U.S. beef along with dining at restaurants that serve U.S. beef,” said Heater.

Heater goes on to say, “In Costa Rica, along with the tourists, there is a growing middle and upper class that is funded by the tourism business. These groups have created a 392% growth for beef imports since the CAFTA was implemented.” This contributes to the total U.S. beef exports for 2015 totaling $11.8 million. This was a 66% increase over 2014.

Another innovative way these countries introduce beef to meet their consumer demands is through use of learning centers.  These importers and distributors bring in chefs from resorts and restaurants to instruct them in proper handling and preparing beef products.  They show new beef cuts and creative ways to use them on their menus.

The Meat Trade Mission was coordinated by the Iowa Economic Development Authority and led by Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey.  The mission featured representatives from Iowa Corn Promotion Board, Iowa Pork Producers Association, and Iowa Beef Industry Council. Partial funding for the mission was provided by the beef checkoff.