ROANOKE TIMES 
                      Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times

DATE: Wednesday, November 6, 1996            TAG: 9611060093
SECTION: BUSINESS                 PAGE: B-6  EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: GREG EDWARDS

FARM EXPORTS SHOW MAJOR 5-YEAR RISE

Virginia's agricultural exports rose 78 percent between 1990 and 1995 to a total of $793million, according to the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

Soybeans, wheat, peanuts, corn, apples and other commodities represent the largest volume of exports at $476million, up 56 percent since 1990. Lumber and forestry exports were worth $114million in 1995, up 63 percent; export sales of seafood brought $17million, up 325 percent, and livestock exports were $11 million, up 83 percent.

Tobacco exports were valued at $3.2billion.

The largest area of export growth was in processed foods ready for consumers, thanks to increased promotional activity by U.S. brand names, the department said.

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