LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska officials are working to build the state’s beef brand in Europe.

Department of Agriculture Director Greg Ibach announced Thursday that several European companies have agreed to purchase and promote the state’s beef. Ibach recently led a delegation of state officials and agricultural producers that led to six signed letters of intent with European companies.

Gov. Pete Ricketts says expanding the state’s exports is especially important given the recent downturn in commodity prices.

When the Department of Agriculture and the Nebraska Beef Council started promoting beef in 2005, the state accounted for less than 4 percent of all United States beef exports. In the first six months of this year, Nebraska accounts for more than 18 percent.