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Int'l Trade, Marketing Office Provides Assistance to Exporters of Ag Products

Developing new markets for raw agricultural commodities and further processed products can be difficult for Georgia farmers and agribusinesses, especially if the individuals or companies have limited resources and expertise in international marketing. 

Recognizing the need to provide assistance to Georgia farmers and companies interested in pursuing new market opportunities or in expanding their existing markets, Commissioner Tommy Irvin established the Georgia Department of Agriculture’s Office of International Trade and Domestic Marketing.

“Increased international competition has made it more important than ever for our farmers and agribusinesses to continue developing markets for their products,” Irvin said.  “I certainly want our state’s producers to be able to tap into these new markets, and our international trade specialists stand ready to assist them.”

Deputy Agriculture Commissioner Terry Coleman noted trade specialists provide advice and direction to companies and producers interested in exporting food and agricultural products. “Trade and marketing personnel also host or assist with export workshops held in key locations throughout the state,” Coleman said.  “In addition, the office promotes export assistance programs provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agriculture Service.”

Trade shows have proven to be successful sales tools for a number of Georgia exporters, according to David Bryant, Director of the Office of International Trade and Domestic Marketing. Through its work with FAS and the Southern United States Trade Association, the office has been able to provide help to Georgia firms that participate in some of the principal trade shows and trade missions by subsidizing a portion of the participation fees.

In-store promotions have increased the number of Georgia products that are sold in supermarkets abroad, and Georgia companies often are invited to send product samples for taste testing to food chain buyers. Once the buyers approve a purchase, the stores either purchase the products directly or through an importer/distributor and feature the products during the promotion. “Generally, the only expenses to Georgia companies are their product samples and the shipping costs to a designated U.S. location,” Bryant said.

The Office of International Trade and Domestic Marketing also operates in Brussels, Belgium, to promote the sale of Georgia agricultural products to Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Trade leads come from various sources, including FAS offices throughout the world, SUSTA, trade shows, in-store promotions, and personal contacts made by the international trade and domestic marketing staff. 

“Our international trade and marketing specialists have a wealth of knowledge and experience, and I encourage Georgia agricultural producers and businesses to utilize this valuable resource,” Irvin said.

To contact the Office of International Trade and Domestic Marketing, call 404-656-3740 or send an e-mail message to itrade@agr.state.ga.us.  Those interested in new market opportunities also are encouraged to check the Market Bulletin periodically for a listing of upcoming trade shows and market opportunities like those found below: 

Upcoming Trade Opportunities

SIAL, France, Oct. 19 – 23, 2008; Georgia Dept. of Agriculture will have a booth at the show; interested companies may send products for display in the booth.