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Frankfort
, KY – Kentucky companies specializing in food and other
agricultural-based products can learn to get more out
of export activities through workshops jointly coordinated
by the Southern U.S. Trade Association (SUSTA) and the
Kentucky Department of Agriculture.
The
next Exporter's Information Session is slated for April
15-16. The location has yet to be announced.
“Each
year through this fine program, Kentucky businesses
are shown how to expand their incomes and markets by
exporting their products,” said Agriculture Commissioner
Richie Farmer. “It's no secret that participating in
the global marketplace is a challenge. Hundreds of small
businesses nationwide and several in the Commonwealth
have gained exposure in international markets through
this program.”
“Many
business owners don't consider export marketing, fearing
it may be too complex for them,” said Michael Judge,
Director of KDA's Division of Agriculture Marketing.
“It's not, but it does require adequate preparation
and planning. Participating in these Exporter's Information
Sessions will provide them with the assistance they
need to start off on the right path.”
SUSTA
is a non-profit trade association providing services
and programs to offset the risks of international marketing.
Through the Exporter's Information Session, companies
can learn how to lower export expenses, meet foreign
buyers, participate in industry promotions, and discover
the basics of exporting.
In
order to participate in the sessions, businesses must:
*
Be “small” according to Small Business Association guidelines,
or be a farm cooperative;
*
Document total sales exceeding $100,000;
*
Have a product that is of at least 50 percent U.S. agricultural
origin;
*
Market a product under a brand name;
*
Label the product as "Product of the USA "
or "Made in the USA ."
For
more information, contact Kelly Ludwig with the Kentucky
Department of Agriculture by phone at (502) 564-4983
or via e-mail at kelly.ludwig@kyagr.com
, or log onto the SUSTA Web site at www.susta.org
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