LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska officials hope their trip to Europe will boost exports of the state’s crops.

The Agriculture Department officials left Friday to visit Bulgaria and Germany. The trip is possible because the state received a $70,000 federal grant.

Agriculture Director Greg Ibach says he hopes to establish new relationships in Bulgaria while boosting existing ones in other European markets.

Nebraska’ exported roughly $506 million worth of crops to Europe last year, but exports to Bulgaria have been minimal.