The Association of Equipment Manufacturers reported that 2009's export value of agricultural equipment amounted to $8 billion. That total represents a 23 percent decline when compared to 2008.
The AEM said that the largest drop in U.S. agriculture exports was experienced in products going to Europe and South America.
"Our manufacturers operate in a global marketplace, and the farm equipment sector as well has been adversely affected by this worldwide recession after several years of strong export growth," said AEM president Dennis Slater.
In order to help exports, Slater said that Washington needs to put forward policies that would make it easier for U.S. companies to go after foreign business, while also making it easier for representatives from companies overseas to travel to the country. The latter would allow them a better chance to look at and purchase U.S. agricultural equipment.
Though the AEM said that the federal government can do more, some efforts are being made at the state level. For example, officials in North Dakota are constructing a model farm in Ukraine in order to showcase agricultural goods produced in the state.
