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FRANKFORT, Ky. – Kentucky companies specializing in food and other agriculture-based products can learn about exporting 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 19-21 at the Courtyard by Marriott in Louisville.
“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. “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 Stephanie L. Wheeler with the Kentucky Department of Agriculture by phone at (502) 564-4983 or via e-mail at Stephanie.wheeler@ky.gov or log onto the SUSTA Web site at www.susta.org
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