2007 PRESS RELEASES
November 9, 2007
VDACS URGES SMALL AG COMPANIES TO APPLY NOW FOR SUSTA INTERNATIONAL MARKETING ASSISTANCE
Contact: Marion Horsley, 804.225.3820
The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) reminds small agribusiness companies interested in accessing new foreign markets that the Southern United States Trade Association (SUSTA) is still accepting applications for the 2008 Market Access Program (MAP) Branded year. The MAP Branded Program helps accepted participants by reimbursing up to 50% of certain international marketing and promotion expenses, including eligible trade shows, in-store displays, and required label changes. Additional information about the program, including a list of eligible expenses and product types, is available by clicking here.
SUSTA began accepting MAP Branded applications on September 1, 2007 on a first-come, first-approved, first-served basis for activities that will take place during the program year from January 1 through December 31, 2008. For the best chance of receiving approval for full funding by the start of the program year, VDACS encourages companies to submit their applications as soon as possible. Once all funding is allocated, the application process is over until next year. Eligible companies can download a Pre-Qualification Form and Application from the SUSTA Web site.
According to SUSTA, eligible MAP Branded products can be as diverse as animal hides, catfish, snack foods and hot sauce. To participate in MAP Branded, companies must:
- Be “small” according to Small Business Administration guidelines, or be a farm cooperative
- Document total gross sales (domestic and export) in the previous calendar year exceeding $100,000
- Export a product that is at least 50% U.S. agricultural origin by weight
- Control sufficient quantity to assure an uninterrupted supply to international buyers
- Market a product under a brand name
- Label the product as "Product of the USA" or "Made in the USA"
Companies and state marketing representatives with questions should contact the Branded Department at 504.568.5986 or branded@susta.org. Branded Program Manager Deneen Wiltz will share her answers at http://mapbrandedsusta.blogspot.com. Check the blog regularly for updates.