Small Food Company Exports Add $710 Million in Sales

According to state regional trade groups (SRTGs), government programs to encourage U.S. food exports helped several thousand small U.S. food companies add more than $710 million to their annual sales last year.

SRTGs in the Midwest, Northeast, South and West helped small more than 2,400 small U.S. food and agricultural firms expand their global presence.

The SRTGs Branded Program reimburses food and agricultural companies 50 percent of their costs for international marketing and promotion. Eligible companies produce food products that are at least 50 percent agricultural origin by weight, excluding added water and packaging, and meet other criteria.

Programs and services offered by the SRTGs are funded through the Market Access Program (MAP) of the USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service, State Agricultural Promotion Agencies and private industry. Beginning in August and September, the SRTGs are accepting applications for 2009 funding assistance.

For more information about each SRTG and about applying to the Branded Program, visit www.foodexport.org. 

Source: IFT