2009 PRESS RELEASES
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February 24, 2009
VIRGINIA AGRICULTURAL PRODUCERS INVITED TO PARTICIPATE IN INTERNATIONAL
TRADE MISSION TO THE CZECH REPUBLIC
Contact: Elaine Lidholm, 804.786.7686
The global export market is expanding dramatically, and many Virginia companies are marketing their agricultural products overseas. The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) offers producers the opportunity to introduce their products to the Czech Republic through a partnership with the Southern United States Trade Association (SUSTA).
“In a previous position in the private sector, I spent some time in the Czech Republic,” says VDACS Commissioner Todd Haymore, “and I know first-hand the desire of that country to buy American-made goods. I believe this is a real opportunity for some of our Virginia producers to market their products to this very receptive country.” Sales of value-added foods in Eastern Europe increased more than 68 percent from 2000 to 2005. The Czech Republic has a population of 10.2 million and large supermarket chains where consumers are looking for new products. SUSTA is sponsoring a trade mission to Prague May 25 to 29 where producers will have opportunities to meet one-on-one with importers.
Best candidates for export to the Czech Republic are fruits and vegetables, organic products, seafood, confections, nuts, snack foods, sauces and condiments.
Information for participants:
Event date: May 25 – 29, 2009
Registration deadline: March 30, 2009. No refunds for participation fees after April 6, 2009.
Cost for participants
Registration fee: $500.
SUSTA will pay for airfare from U.S. to the Czech Republic. Participants are responsible for hotel accommodations.
SUSTA will pay for shipment of 50 pounds of product samples for the mission.
Producers interested in taking advantage of this opportunity to introduce their products to importers and key buyers in the Czech Republic should contact Keith Long in VDACS’ Office of International Marketing. Call 804.371.8990 or e-mail keith.long@vdacs.virginia.gov. Click here for information on additional domestic and international trade events.