 DATCP, in collaboration with the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), invites Wisconsin agribusinesses to apply for International Market Access Grants (IMAG).
Coordinated by WEDC, IMAGs provide funding to support a company’s specific export development and deployment strategy. The Wisconsin Initiative for Agricultural Exports (WIAE)* expands WEDC’s existing IMAG program by designating funds solely for agribusinesses. Applicants must be an established agribusiness that is new to exporting or is expanding into new markets, that has been operating in Wisconsin for at least one year, and that manufactures, processes, assembles, or distributes a product that has the potential to be exported.
Companies that have not completed ExporTech™ training can receive IMAG funding up to three times, with a maximum of $10,000 per grant. ExporTech™ graduates can receive IMAG funding up to six times, with a maximum of $25,000 per grant. Matching funds are required at 30 percent of the grant award. Eligible project expenses include costs associated with trade shows and ventures, marketing, promotions, consulting services, and export education.
Applications close on October 31, 2023.
Application materials can be requested by contacting:
Katie Ujdak, Global Trade & Investment Grants Specialist
Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
Email: katie.ujdak@wedc.org
Phone: (608) 210-6773
Food Export’s 2023 Export Advisor Program is now open and accepting registrations.
The Export Advisor Program is a no-cost, year-long service providing custom assistance to help food companies kick-start or improve their strategy for export growth. This is a great program for any company that is both interested in exporting and could use support from an export consultant for market research and strategy development.
Wayne Batwin will be handling the Advisor Program for Midwest companies in 2023. Companies can learn more and register at foodexport.org.
The Wisconsin Agricultural Export Advisory Council (WAXC) is hosting a series of informational webinars in the coming year.
At this time, these webinars are scheduled for:
- November 15, 2023
- January 17, 2024
For more information, visit the DATCP website.
 Date: November 20-23, 2023
Abu Dhabi, U.A.E.
VIV MEA is the largest and most complete feed to food event in the Middle East, dedicated to the world of livestock production. Companies will meet with buyers in animal husbandry and related sectors, from feed production to animal farming, breeding, genetics, veterinary and animal health solutions, slaughtering, meat, fish, egg, dairy processing, and more. Exhibitors can reach 8,000 expected visitors from 40 countries.
DATCP invites Wisconsin companies interested in building or expanding exports to the Middle East to exhibit in the Wisconsin Pavilion at 2023 VIV MEA Trade Show. This show is ideal for agriculture companies involved in exporting feed and feed products, livestock, genetics, and reproduction products.
Interested in participating? Contact:
Luis Santana, Economic Development Consultant
Email: luise.santana@wisconsin.gov
Phone: (608) 640-807
 Date: January 28 to February 2, 2024
Stops in Monterrey and Mexico City
Mexico is the second-largest economy in Latin America and the 14th-largest in the world. Its GDP growth in recent years has been strong due to trends including "nearshoring" manufacturing operations within North America. A large, diversified economy with deep trade and investment relations with the U.S., it is also the second-largest export market for U.S.-produced goods ($324 billion in 2022), as well as for Wisconsin exports (which reached an all-time high of $3.6 billion in 2022).
Wisconsin companies—whether new to exporting or looking to expand their exports into Mexico—are invited to participate in this program, which will travel to Mexico City, the largest city in Mexico, and to Monterrey, which is Mexico’s third-largest city by population (and second largest in terms of its contribution to GDP). Monterrey also has a high concentration of manufacturing facilities aligned with Wisconsin’s key industry sectors.
Interested in participating? Contact:
Shirley Acedo, Economic Development Consultant
Email: shirley.acedo@wisconsin.gov
Phone: (608) 419-4643
Date: January 29 to February 2, 2024
Stops in Bangkok and Chiang Mai, Thailand
The IABC is seeking Wisconsin cheese companies to join DATCP and Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin on a trade mission to Thailand to increase awareness of Wisconsin cheese. The mission will include a briefing by the USDA Foreign Agriculture Service, a Wisconsin cheese brand awareness seminar and product showcase, as well as meetings with importers, site visits to retailers and food service providers, and more! The objective for the Thailand mission includes:
- Introducing Wisconsin companies and their products to Thai importers and buyers
- Creating awareness of artisan Wisconsin cheeses to retail, food service operators, specialty cheese shops, and other retailers
- Increasing Wisconsin companies' awareness of the Thai market, and providing opportunities to meet with potential Thai buyers
- Generating Wisconsin cheese awareness to Thai consumers and trade through online and offline media
Interested in participating? Contact:
Lisa Stout, Economic Development Consultant
Email: lisa.stout@wisconsin.gov
Phone: (608) 514-4538
Date: February 19-23, 2024
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
DATCP’s IABC staff are recruiting Wisconsin processed food companies to exhibit in the Wisconsin Pavilion at Gulfood. With attendees from across the world, Gulfood is the place to meet and connect with food product buyers. DATCP is seeking participants new to the show. Participating companies will be required to sign up for Food Show Plus! services with Food Export-Midwest.
Interested in participating? Contact:
Shirley Acedo, Economic Development Consultant
Email: shirley.acedo@wisconsin.gov
Phone: (608) 419-4643
Funded by the Wisconsin Initiative for Agricultural Exports*
 Date: March 25-27, 2024
London, England
The International Food & Drink Event (IFE) is the only food and drink trade exhibition with UK government backing and support, making it the premier event for the UK food & beverage industry over the past 30+ years. With the potential of a future free trade agreement between the US and the UK, this is ideal timing to position your product in the UK market.
IFE London 2024 will serve as a hub for over 27,000 invigorated buyers for the entire food, drink, and hospitality supply chain, including those from Tesco, Sainsbury’s, ASDA, Iceland, Waitrose, Marks & Spencer, Aramark, British Airways—position your products in front of decision makers!
Interested in participating? Contact:
Shirley Acedo, Economic Development Consultant
Email: shirley.acedo@wisconsin.gov
Phone: (608) 419-4643
Funded by the Wisconsin Initiative for Agricultural Exports*
 Date: April 9-11, 2024
São Paulo, Brazil
At this annual trade show, entrepreneurs, business owners, and food and beverage industry professionals have the opportunity to meet and evaluate new suppliers, participate in the diverse options of special attractions and experiences, learn from industry experts, and have in-depth discussions about the food and beverage industry's latest global trends.
Staff from DATCP's International Agribusiness Center are organizing a Wisconsin Pavilion at this the event featuring Wisconsin processed food companies. We encourage you to join!
Interested in participating? Contact:
Shirley Acedo, Economic Development Consultant
Email: shirley.acedo@wisconsin.gov
Phone: (608) 419-4643
Funded by the Wisconsin Initiative for Agricultural Exports*
Date: May 6-10, 2024
Santiago, Chile
Chile is a free-trade partner with the United States and as such, is an easy and secure place for Americans to do business. It is one of the largest export markets for U.S. consumer-oriented food products, has a stable economy, and is a gateway for U.S. exporters looking to reach other Latin American markets.
Led by DATCP staff, this multi-sector agricultural trade mission to Chile will include buyer meetings, store visits, farm visits, market briefings, and meetings with regulatory entities. Agribusinesses in dairy, foods, ingredients, beverages, livestock, genetics feed, supplements, wood products, and ginseng are encouraged to apply. There will also be meetings with national and regional government officials as well as with industry and economic development organizations. Funding from the Wisconsin Initiative for Agricultural Exports (WIAE)* will support the cost of in-country contractors providing partner searches, business meeting facilitation services, meeting costs, local transportation, and market reports for up to six Wisconsin companies. Participants are responsible for airfare, hotel, and most meals.
For more information, contact:
Shirley Acedo, Economic Development Consultant
Email: shirley.acedo@wisconsin.gov
Phone: (608) 419-4643
Funded by the Wisconsin Initiative for Agricultural Exports*
The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) has a number of planned trade venture opportunities that Wisconsin businesses can participate in. These targeted trade ventures help build the business relationships necessary for increased international sales.
The upcoming trade ventures include:
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Poland: November, 11-18, 2023, centered in Warsaw
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India: December 2-9, 2023, with stops in Mumbai and Delhi
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Mexico: January 28 to February 2, 2024, with stops in Monterrey and Mexico City
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United Arab Emirates: January 27 to February 1, 2024, centered in Dubai
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China: March 9-16, 2024, with stops in Shanghai and Beijing
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Canada: April 7-12, 2024, with stops in Toronto and Winnipeg
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Germany: April 6-13, 2024, centered in Munich
For more information or to register for an upcoming trade venture, visit the WEDC website.
Each year, the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) plans several agricultural trade missions that American companies can participate in to help increase their global reach.
The remaining trade missions in 2023 include:
-
Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur and Singapore): October 30 to November 3 (announcement/application opened on July 19, 2023)
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Angola: December 4-7 (announcement/application opened on August 23, 2023)
Additionally, USDA FAS recently announced the following Agricultural Trade Missions for calendar year 2024:
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Canada (Calgary and Vancouver): in early April 2024
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Morocco (Casablanca; with buyers from Senegal and West Africa): in mid-May 2024
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South Korea (Seoul): in late June/early July 2024
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Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City): in late August/early September 2024
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Colombia (Bogota): in mid-to-late October 2024
To learn more about these upcoming trade missions or to apply, visit the USDA FAS website.
Date: November 1, 2023
ExporTech™ is a program for emerging and experienced exporters to develop their strategic export plan. Over the course of three full-day sessions, CEOs/presidents and senior leaders in sales/marketing, finance, and operations can join with other non-competing companies to determine their top three export markets and develop an actionable, strategic plan.
Agricultural product companies, from processed foods, grains, and mink pelts to livestock, genetics, and more, are encouraged to participate. Funding from the Wisconsin Initiative for Agricultural Exports* supports the agricultural producers and WEDC supports agricultural processors in this beneficial program.
Companies graduating from ExporTech™ realize between $600,000 and $1,000,000 in average incremental exports growth one year after completing the program.
Interested in participating? Please contact:
Heidi Rabeneck, Outreach Program Manager
University of Wisconsin-Stout
Email: rabeneckh@uwstout.edu
Phone: (715) 232-5506
 IABC Economic Development Consultant Lisa Stout was the Activity Coordinator for Food Export’s Food Show Plus™ services at Fine Food Australia, held from September 11-14 in Sydney, Australia. Fine Food Australia is an established tradeshow dedicated to all things food—from foodservice to hospitality to retail to bakery. Five companies participated in these services which included a retail tour, market briefing, product report, and introductions to buyers/importers during the show. Above, Lisa is pictured with Agricultural Counselor Gerald Smith and his staff from the Office of Agricultural Affairs of the US Embassy in Canberra, Australia.
 During the week of September 25-29, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Alexis Taylor led an agribusiness trade mission to Chile. The trade mission coincided with the USDA-endorsed Espacio Food and Service trade show—Chile’s major food show and a significant gateway to the Latin American market—offering additional networking opportunities for U.S. participants and Wisconsin companies exhibiting at the show. Ten Wisconsin companies were represented at the show, where they participated in a retail tour, market briefing, reception at the U.S. Ambassador's Residence, and introductions to buyers/importers while exhibiting at the three-day show.
*The Wisconsin Initiative for Agricultural Exports (WIAE), a collaborative project between DATCP and the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), aims to boost the export of dairy, meat, and crop products by promoting Wisconsin agricultural products in the international marketplace. The WIAE was proposed in Gov. Tony Evers' 2021-23 biennial state budget.
For more information on the WIAE, sign up for email updates and visit the DATCP website.
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