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FRANKFORT, Ky. — Small Kentucky food and agricultural businesses can apply for a federal program that could double their international marketing budgets.
The Southern United States Trade Association (SUSTA) will begin accepting applications for its Market Access Program (MAP) June 1. The application period will close July 29.
“The Market Access Program has helped several Kentucky businesses market their products abroad,” Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer said. “Kentucky is a leading participant in the MAP program. I encourage all small Kentucky food and agricultural businesses that are interested in international marketing to take advantage of this opportunity.”
Under the MAP Branded program, SUSTA reimburses companies up to 50 percent for many international marketing expenses, including advertising, in-store promotions, exhibiting at international trade shows, adjusting product packaging and labeling, and other costs. SUSTA administers the program for companies in 15 southeastern states and Puerto Rico. SUSTA allocated $3.5 million in Branded funds to 91 participants for the current fiscal year.
Kentucky was honored for leading the SUSTA states in exports in 2003. Kentucky participants in the MAP Branded program exported more than $62 million in food and agricultural products between October 2002 and September 2003.
“The Branded program is a great asset for exporters,” said SUSTA Branded Coordinator Nicole Schauer. “Small to medium-sized companies who are spending at least $5,000 for international marketing can double their budget, so they can access new markets and conduct more activities while committing the same amount of their resources.”To see if your company qualifies for the MAP Branded program, visit www.susta.org/services/map.html.
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