The final total of US agricultural exports for the fiscal year 2014 reached a record $152.5 billion, up from the previous year’s record of $141 billion, according to USDA.

USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack said US agricultural exports have climbed 41 percent in value over the past five years.

“US agricultural exports have increased in volume as well as in monetary value, which demonstrates an increasing global appetite for high-quality, American-grown products,” Vilsack said. “The Administration's Made in Rural America initiative, led by USDA, remains committed to strengthening rural communities, and will continue to focus on investments in rural businesses, manufacturing, energy, water and other infrastructure development. Collectively, these efforts help to expand export opportunities for what is grown and made in rural America, create jobs, and foster growth that strengthens our nation's economy.”

Early forecasts of agricultural exports for fiscal year 2015 are projected at $144.5 billion, a decrease in $8 billion from the 2014 number.