Trend, lessons and enlightenment of the alfalfa trade in the United States

With the rapid transformation of Chinese dairy industry and other grass-feeding livestock industry, the demand of high-quality alfalfa imported from the United States has been increased fast. As a new industry developed in recent years, Chinese alfalfa industry could not meet the huge market demand. The study on the international market trade of the United States can be effectively useful to catch up with the development of international standards. The United States is the most powerful country of alfalfa production and trading, it is of great value to analyze the alfalfa trade trend and sum up the trade experience. The findings indicate that the export quantity of alfalfa produced in the United States has been gradually increased, and the export price has been risen as well. The main experiences are as follows: 1) High standard and strict alfalfa product quality are prerequisite to protect alfalfa exports; 2) High-level marketing strategy is an important driving force to promote the export; 3) Powerful information traceability system is key means to ensure alfalfa quality; 4) Low-cost transportation system is a critical condition to enhance the export competitiveness of alfalfa. For the purpose of enhancing alfalfa industry competitiveness, Chinese government should attach importance to alfalfa international trade market, improve marketing strategy, complete the secondary compression technology, regulate industrial entities, and build grass product quality tracibility system.