The Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA) today announced that four Michigan companies are in Panama and Costa Rica as part of an international trade delegation to showcase Michigan's agri-food industry in the global arena.

"This week's international trade delegation is just one way MDA is promoting Michigan's quality agriculturally-based products as well to expand our markets and diversify our state's economy," said Don Koivisto, MDA director. "Safeguarding and expanding international markets for Michigan products are critical to growing our state's second largest industry."

The Michigan companies involved in the trade mission are Graceland Fruit Inc., Frankfort; Cooperative Elevator, Pigeon; Cherry Marketing Institute, DeWitt; and the Michigan Bean Commission, St. Johns.

The goal of the mission is to promote the export of Michigan specialty crops - - fruit, dry beans, and vegetables - - into the Central American market. The trip will help educate Michigan companies on the Central American market and the opportunities in the region due to the Free Trade Agreements.

For information on additional domestic and international trade events, go to the MDA Web site at www.mdainternational.com . Photos from the trade delegation can be viewed at http://tinyurl.com/yl7xlda .

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