TALLAHASSEE – Buyers from Russia and South Korea are in Ocala-Marion County to view Florida Thoroughbreds as part of a trade event August 13-18 hosted by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association.
The reverse trade mission is the first such activity with Russian buyers.
The South Koreans have participated in Florida Thoroughbred buying events since 2002. In the last three years, Korean delegations have spent over
$3.2 million on racing and breeding stock from Florida. So far in 2009 they have spent over $1 million and are on pace for this year to be their biggest in terms of dollars spent.
“Such trade events provide an excellent venue for showcasing Florida’s Thoroughbred industry and the superb animals that we have to offer,” Florida Agriculture Commissioner Charles H. Bronson said. “Our marketing efforts have yielded great dividends as evidenced by the growth of Thoroughbred sales to South Korea. We are pleased to have the opportunity to host the Russian delegation for the first time this year and look forward to
developing successful relationship with them as well.”
The Department will also actively promote Florida Thoroughbreds later this year to buyers in Ireland, Canada, India, Argentina and the Dominican Republic. Partial funding for these activities comes from the U.S.
Department of Agriculture through its United States Livestock Genetics Export program.
The Florida horse industry generates a direct economic impact of $3 billion annually, with an overall economic impact valued at $5.1 billion, according to the American Horse Council and the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association. In addition, the industry generates approximately $98 million in annual state and local tax revenue, and directly or indirectly employs nearly 40,000 people. In Florida there are approximately 105,600 horse owners. Florida has approximately 500,100 horses including 207,500 Thoroughbreds, 93,800 Quarter Horses, and 198,800 other horses.