LINCOLN- Secretary of State Bob Evnen issued a report detailing his recent trip to Bulgaria, which was financed by the USDA Emerging Markets Program. The focus of this trade mission was to discuss Nebraska's dry edible beans and beef production in an attempt to expand markets in Europe.

Last year, the Nebraska bean industry found itself with a surplus of Great Northern beans, of which Nebraska is the top grower, because of a 25% retaliatory tariff imposed by the EU on dry edible beans. Earlier this year, the tariff was removed, prompting Evnen to seek new trade agreements.

Kelley Bean Company, a large western Nebraska bean processor, was present at the meeting. Pierfrancesco Sportelli, the company's trading manager, met with two major dry bean processors and distributors in Bulgaria.

German Martos, Director of Sales for Lindsay Irrigation, and Dr. Chris Calkins, a Nebraska beef representative and UNL professor, were also present. Calkins presented information about Nebraska beef to several chefs and hospitality managers in the hopes of expanding the market in Bulgaria.

Bob Evnen is hopeful that trade will be expanded in European markets, saying, "We are very happy with the outcomes and look forward to ongoing trade between Nebraska and Bulgaria, and other markets around the world."

This trade meeting was a follow-up to another that took place in Bulgaria in 2019.

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