April
2015

Issue
No. 4


Market Leader logo, December, 2013
Tip: Click on photos to enlarge.
Minnesota business development mission to Mexico
Governor Mark Dayton will lead a multi-sector mision to Mexico this August 9-14, 2015 to increase state exports.  He'll lead a group to key business centers in Mexico City and Guadalajara.  Mexico is an excellent market for a wide variety of food and agricultural products.  Benefits of this bordering country include: close proximity, a wide variety of market opportunities, and the benefits of the North American Free Trade Agreement.

Minnesota businesses have significantly increased their exporting experience in Mexico during the past decade.  Exports to Mexico exploded by 52 percent to $2.2 billion in 2014, leading Mexico to become Minnesota's second-largest market.

Further details about participating in the mission.
Meet our new International Trade Manager
Jeffrey Phillips is the International Trade Manager at the MDA and is responsible for overseeing export and trade activities for the state's food and ag sector. Before joining the MDA, Jeffrey served as the European trade representative at the State of Minnesota Trade Office. He received a Bachelor of Business Adminstration from the University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh and additional food science and technology training from the University of Minnesota.

Jeffrey and the trade team look forward to working with all the innovative food companies and ag producers in the state to expand your international presence around the globe. Whether a company is exploring their first export, adding a new market to their international portfolio, or need assistance overcoming a trade problem, we're here to support your team. I look forward to meeting you soon, perhaps in Canada, Germany, Mexico or Korea!

Jeffrey Phillips
Space available:  Minnesota Pavilions
Plan ahead to take advantage of deeply discounted and well-positioned booth space at select events.  Plus, the MDA provides marketing and logistical support at the events.  There are many Minnesota Pavilions scheduled at domestic food shows in the next 14 months, and space remains at:
  • Food Marketing Institute: Chicago, June 9-11, 2015 - great event to meet chain grocers (lower volume, higher value targets). Only 2 booths remain.
  • America's Food & Beverage: Miami, October 26-27, 2015 - exposure to the Caribbean, South American, and Mexican markets. Only 3 booths remain. (good value: $1,450/10x10 booth)
  • Winter Fancy Food Show: San Francisco, January 17-19, 2016 - great opportunities with specialty store buyers, distributors and brokers. Only 3 booths remain.
  • Summer Fancy Food Show: New York City, June 26-28, 2016 - similar to winter fancy food show with more East Coast exposure.

All other shows are currently full, but please contact Brian Erickson at 651-201-6539 to learn more about Minnesota Pavilions. 

Food Export
Mission funding available for qualified companies
Your company may qualify for reduced trade mission fees and travel costs.  The Branded Program provides 50 percent cost reimbursement for a wide variety of international marketing activities, including participation in the Mexico mission.  The Branded Program is for food and agricultural companies that meet the Small Business Administration guidelines (typically having fewer than 500 employees).  Agricultural producer cooperatives of any size are also eligible.

Additional details.

Contact Jeffrey Phillips, International Trade Manager, at 651-201-6220 for information on the Mexico mission or utilizing the Branded Program.
AlexCovarrubias
Seminar: NAFTA, Completing the Certificate of Origin
Be prepared for the Mexico mission by attending this NAFTA seminar on Tuesday, May 5, 2015 at the Minnesota Trade Office 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.  The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) has eliminated virtually all tariffs and significantly increased the competitiveness of U.S. goods exported to Canada and Mexico.  In order to benefit, it is crucial to understand the essential requirements ensuring products qualify under NAFTA and completing the Certificate of Origin accurately.

Complete seminar details available here.
Minnesota turkey industry update
Minnesota is the number one turkey producing state in the country and it accounts for 19 percent of the U.S. total.

Turkey exports are evolving as many countries adapt and adjust bans reflecting the latest status
of H5N2 avian
Top Minnesota turkey export markets
influenza.

Mexico, China and Canada are Minnesota's top export markets and each has imposed some form of ban on turkey imports.  Most bans still allow turkey products as long as they undergo additional processing or were packaged before a certain date.
U.S. top turkey producing states

For information on Minnesota turkey production and export, please contact Su Ye at 651-201-6384.
Avian flu updates
Trade: Find updates on the latest country information for meat and poultry exports here.

Confirmed cases:  State and federal teams continue monitoring and testing poultry flocks in Minnesota.  Flocks testing positive for avian influenza are quarantined and monitored to prevent further spread of the virus.

Food safety:  Poultry and poultry products are safe to eat and each commercial flock is tested before going to market.  All avian influenza infected birds are strictly prohibited from entering the food supply.  Remember to cook all poultry and eggs to a 165 ˚F internal temperature.

Human health:  There are no known cases of human infection with this strain of avian influenza.  Only people in direct contact with infected birds are at risk to potentially contract the virus.

Cause:  Although wild waterfowl are known to carry this virus, no direct link has been made with an infected turkey flock.

Informative links:
- Practice strict biosecurity with your flock
- Minnesota Board of Animal Health
- USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
- Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
- Minnesota Department of Health
Enter the Minnesota Cup
MN Cup is an annual new venture competition for entrepreneurs, researchers and inventors, hosted by the University of Minnesota's Carlson School.  The MDA is a supporter of the 2015 Food/Agriculture/Beverage division competition, which awards $30,000 in seed capital. The MN Cup overall grand prize includes an additional $50,000.

Minnesota entrepreneurs with less than $1 million in revenue are eligible. In addition to cash prizes, this competition offers business planning support, mentorship, exposure, investor feedback, and access to exclusive events and professional connections. Tell them the MDA sent you!

Minnesota Cup application deadline is May 8.
A peek at the 2015 planting season
Favorable weather conditions have allowed Minnesota producers to begin planting some small grains. Click here if you're interested in reading the season's first Crop Progress and Condition report. Check back for weekly updates.
Demo your Minnesota food/ag products in retail stores
The MDA's TSP program provides support for Minnesota companies who sample their food products in retail stores; allowing you to stretch your marketing  budget and do more demos! Enter discussions with new retail buyers knowing you have expanded budget/ability to support your products. Take advantage of TSP cost-sharing.
Looking Ahead

Event
Location
Date
Link
China World Dairy Expo
Harbin, China
April 22-24
Focused Trade Mission to Taiwan: Retail & Food
Taipei, Taiwan
May 11-12
Midwest Buyers Mission
MN, OH, IL
July 27-30
Focused Trade Mission to Mexico-Private Label/Retail
Mexico City, Mexico
August 11-13
Register here
ANUGA
Cologne, Germany
October 10-14
Register here


Add a description
MDA in the news:
3/21/15 -
Organic dairy farming struggles to keep up with demand...Full Story

3/29/15 -
Minnesota Cup applications sought...Full Story
Ag Trivia

Question:
Which countries do most Minnesota bee breeds originate from?

Our friends at Bare Honey have answers:
 
Words of the world:
Spanish: Trade = Comercio (co-meir-cee-oh) 

Thanks for catching up with us on the latest import and export news from Minnesota to the world!  If you have any questions or suggestions to improve this newsletter please email me, thank you,

Michael Crusan
MDA Communications
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture's 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.