News from Minnesota Department of Agriculture

Join Gov. Dayton's Trade Mission to China

There are several good reasons to sign on to the Governor's June 8-17 trade mission to China. 1) China is MN's largest market for ag exports, valued at $1.8 Billion last year 2) over the past decade, MN ag exports to China jumped 800% 3) you'll have opportunities to meet with Gov't officials, industry leaders & tour businesses. No point in passing up this chance to find new markets for your ag products. MDA's International Trade Specialist Su Ye can answer any of your questions or you can head right to the sign-up page at the MN Trade Office by March 15.

Expose Your Product Beyond the Border

If you've been thinking about widening your regional distribution or if you want to test the export potential of your product, we can help. Join MDA in May for two great shows where the sky's the limit in finding new markets.

We're offering booth space at a reduced cost at both the FMI-US Food Showcase in Dallas (May 1-3) & the NRA-American Food Fair in Chicago (May 5-8). These are two extremely popular trade shows & we've negotiated reduced rates for Minnesota companies exhibiting in the Minnesota Pavilion. Both shows also offer economical export events that will allow you to meet buyers from around - at meetings right in your booth!

Right now, we have eight booths remaining at the FMI show & only three left at the NRA show. Don't pass up this great offer for discounted space at two great shows! Immediate sign-up can happen now by contacting MDA Trade Specialist Brian Erickson.

Join U.S. Meat Export Experts in South Korea

The new Free Trade Agreement with South Korea will unleash exciting export opportunities for US producers - and meat products will no doubt top the trade list. March 22 will be your chance to meet the meat experts as they host a seminar for US pork & beef exporters in Seoul, South Korea to explore these growing opportunities with potential purchasers.

The event, to be held at the Westin Chosun Hotel in Seoul, will provide participating US companies with a venue for presentation & one-on-one meetings with potential importers as well as a showcase for product display. The day will include a cocktail reception for participants to meet informally with representatives of Korea's hotel/restaurant/institution sector, distributors, retailers and meat importers.

Funding for the seminar is provided through the USDA Market Access Program, Beef Check-Off and Pork Check-Off.

For more information about this exciting opportunity, contact MDA International Trade Rep Christina Connelly.

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture

Our mission is to enhance Minnesotans' quality of life by ensuring the integrity of our food supply, the health of our environment, and the strength of our agricultural economy.

Minnesota Department of Agriculture
625 Robert Street North
St. Paul, Minnesota 55155
www.mda.state.mn.us

Reminder: MDA is Bringing India to You in March

This time you can leave your passport at home! Instead of overseas travel, you can simply sign up to attend our India seminar March 13-16. Our consultants from India will lead the main interactive seminar on the 13th followed by a networking reception. Then from March 14-16, you'll have the opportunity to make a one-on-one appointment to meet with one of the consultants to discuss your products' potential in their market.

All the details are on our International Events page.

MTO Accepting Apps for Gov's Trade Awards

You can't win if you don't apply. The Minnesota Trade Office (MTO) is accepting applications for the 27th Annual Governor's Trade Awards. MTO staff tell us that even though the deadline is tomorrow, February 17, they're accustomed to a flurry of last minute, pre-deadline activity so don't delay in sending in your info.

Awards will be given out in two categories:

1) Manufacturing/Services

Agricultural

2) Commodities/Processed Foods

Self-nominations are accepted (I hear a sigh of relief) or nominations by business colleagues are accepted.

Awards will be presented at a luncheon in March.

All the application info is here.

Apply Now for 2012 Branded Program

Check this out - you can get up to 50% cost reimbursement for a host of international marketing activities by applying for the Food Export Midwest Branded Program. Find out if your company is eligible.