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We are excited to announce Elizabeth Smith will be joining us in the International Marketing Program! |
Elizabeth is a Michigander from Kent County who most recently served as a legislative correspondent and staff assistant in Washington, DC for a Michigan-based member of the United States House of Representatives. She worked as an agricultural communications and policy associate for Western Skies Strategies in Washington, DC, and previously interned for the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development’s (MDARD) Agriculture Development Division supporting the International Marketing Program. She has a strong background in research, having earned a master’s degree in animal science at Michigan State University. Elizabeth also holds a bachelor’s degree from MSU in animal science with a minor in agribusiness management.
On September 8, 2021 Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Director Gary McDowell celebrated Citizens LLC for earning the department's highest export honors for 2021. The company, headquartered in the rural community of Charlotte (Eaton County), produces food-grade Natto soybeans and grows 99 percent of its products in Michigan.
 Pictured: Gary McDowell, Director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, presents award to Citizens LLC.
"Companies like Citizens LLC are helping Michigan expand its footprint in the global trade arena. Michigan is primed for opportunity for the state's food and ag companies to make their mark internationally," said McDowell. "I'm humbled to be able to support and recognize them as the 2021 Michigan Agriculture Exporter of the Year."
Founded in 1996, Citizens LLC began exporting in 2005. Between 2019 and 2020, the company experienced a more than 4,000 percent growth in export volume with exports accounting for 13 jobs of the company's nearly 50 total employees.
The Caribbean and Central America are full of opportunity for Michigan Ag Exporters. The Caribbean islands rely heavily on imported food products, with their geographical location and large tourist industries that desire familiar U.S. products while visiting. The US-Central American-Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR) provides benefit to US exporters as well. The proximity to the United States has an appeal to this region as it is cheaper and quicker to ship products from the U.S. compared to Europe.
According to the US Census Bureau, the top export markets for Michigan in the Caribbean and Central America were in 2020:
1. Dominican Republic: $15 million
- Under CAFTA-DR, 80% of products have lowered or eliminated duties
- Growing number of consumers demanding higher quality and healthier products
2. Costa Rica: $13 million
- Under CAFTA-DR, 90% of products have lowered or eliminated duties
- U.S. exporters can supply different volumes according to local demand and maintain reliable supply throughout the year
3. Guatemala: $10 million
- Under CAFTA-DR, 95% of products have lowered or eliminated duties
- Guatemala is unable to meet domestic demand for bulk commodities such as wheat, corn, beans and rice.
How can you learn more and get started in this market?
Virtual Caribbean & Latin American Buyers Mission
Dates: Nov 1-4, 2021 | Online | Cost: $150
2021 Virtual Americas Food & Beverage Show
Dates: Sept 20-24, 2021 | Online | Cost: Free
Market Builder: Central America
Online | Cost: $450-$800
Market Builder: Caribbean
Online | Cost $450-$800
The 2022 Branded Program Application from Food Export Association of the Midwest is open! Submit your Pre-Qualification & Application now to secure funding and a full year of eligibility starting January 1, 2022!
Containers stuck on ships anchored offshore near ports around the world; goods sitting for weeks in railyards across the country; the uncertainly around trade talks---you’ve probably heard mention of these and other international trade related challenges over the last year. It’s true most industries have experienced some degree what has been referred to as a “global supply chain crunch” that has rippled around the globe.
Michigan food, agriculture, and forest products producers are no stranger to difficulties---growing food or growing a business isn’t for the faint of heart—but these same Michigan farmers, food manufacturers, and forest products transformers are also no strangers to success, growth, and achievement through perseverance, measured risk-taking, and grit. As the old saying goes, “if it was easy, everyone would be doing it.” This certainly applies to exporting Michigan commodities, food, or forest products. While it takes planning, determination, and the willingness to build strong partnerships, selling to international markets isn’t something that is for Michigan farmers and businesses “sometime down the road”, the opportunity and time is now.
As we shared with you in May, Michigan food, agriculture, and forest products exports were up over 18 percent year-over-year between 2019 and 2020, topping $2.1billion. While Michigan agricultural products like soybeans, sugar beet, wheat byproducts, cereals, and dairy products lead the way, Michigan’s diverse landscape, industries, and people also sold hardwood floors, honey, mead, cherries, frozen foods, and so much more. Our friendly neighbors to the north, Canada, remain our top destination market, but Michigan producers sell dry beans to buyers in North Africa, soy products to importers in Japan, South Korea and elsewhere in Asia, pork to China, cherries to Russia, Hong Kong, and New Zealand, and the list goes on and on. We’re truly in a global economy and Michigan’s products are in high demand.
MDARD remains available to assist you, your farm, or your factory with navigating exports. Maybe you’ve never exported before and are intimidated by the thought of figuring it out. Or prehaps you’re an “occasional exporter” needing support in certain areas. You could be a pro with a specific issue or market concern you need additional assistance with... we're here for you!
MDARD's services include: export education trainings; market research specific to your product and targeted global destinations; support with export documentation (what’s a Certificate of Apostille, anyway?); coordinating supplier and buyer meetings for your company; providing you with worldwide credits reports on your current or prospective internationally based customer(s); and yes, even cash reimbursements for money you spend on international marketing. MDARD is part of a network of public, private sector, and non-profit partners committed to supporting your Michigan farm and/or food or forest products factory. MDARD offers these services, and more.
If you’re curious about what we’re hearing regarding shipping lead times, market trends, trade agreements that might benefit you, hot markets, or more, reach out to us; we’d love to hear from you. Most importantly, remember that in the face of what might sound like daunting odds and challenges, export opportunities are real and they’re available, now. Global consumers want Michigan-made or grown products. If you’re export curious or export stuck, contact us at: MDARD-AgD@Michigan.gov
-Nate Engle
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Nate Engle is the Division Deputy Director at MDARD’s Agriculture Development Division. |
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development's International Marketing Program is pleased to continue offering Worldwide Credit Reports for Michigan food and agriculture companies. In partnership with the Van Andel Global Trade Center, this service will provide the most up-to-date credit information on in-country businesses. Worldwide Credit Reports help companies and partners with details such as operations, stability, and profitability.
Qualifying food and agriculture companies are eligible to receive one (1) Worldwide Credit Report free of charge.
Depending on country, each report will include some or all of the following:
- Executive Summary
- Answers to Questions
- Recent Imperatives
- Legal Information
- History of Related Companies
- Trade References
- Technical Information
- Bank References
- Financial Conditions
- Payment History
Reports are developed by in-country representatives and are fully accepted by all major credit insurance firms.
MDARD is working to understand the workforce challenges facing food, agriculture, and forest products companies in Michigan. Towards this effort, a survey was created and is being shared with Michigan companies in those sectors. MDARD encourages companies to complete the survey by clicking the link below
From USDA Foreign Agricultural Service Office of Agricultural Affairs, Seoul.
This is an update to the Republic of Korea’s export certificate requirements for dairy products including those containing eggs such as ice cream. Effective July 1, 2021, Korea requires dairy export certificates issued by USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) for dairy products originated from the United States. Prior to July 1, 2021, Korea accepted manufacturer statements in addition to government issued certificates.
ANUGA
Oct 9-13, 2021 | Cologne, Germany
Focused Trade Mission to Korea for Specialty and Retail
Oct 18-22, 2021 | Seoul, South Korea
Virtual Caribbean & Latin American Buyers Mission
Nov 1-4, 2021 | Online
Private Label Buyers Mission at the 2021 PLMA Show
Nov 14-16, 2021 | Rosemont, IL
Virtual Trade Mission to Southeast Asia for Natural and Organic Products
Nov 29-Dec 3, 2021 | Online
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