DATCP is hiring an Economic Development Consultant in the International Agribusiness Center. To apply, visit https://wisc.jobs and search for “economic development” in the search field, or search by agency by clicking “Dept. of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection.”
The 2024 Export Advisor Program is accepting registrations. This is a no-cost, year-long service providing custom assistance to help food companies kickstart or improve their export growth, for companies interested in using an export consultant to support market research and strategy development.
To learn more and register, visit www.foodexport.org.
 ExporTech™ is a program designed 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 join with non-competing companies to determine their top three export markets and develop an actionable, strategic plan.
Agricultural companies with products including processed foods, grains, mink pelts, livestock, genetics, and more are encouraged to participate.
ExporTech™ graduates realize between $600,000 and $1,000,000 in average incremental exports growth one year after completing the program.
Interested in participating? Contact Heidi Rabeneck.
Funded by the Wisconsin Initiative for Agricultural Exports (WIAE)* and Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC).
The International Market Access Grant (IMAG) program provides funding for Wisconsin companies to reimburse export development project expenses up to $10,000, and up to $30,000 for ExporTech™ participants.
For information visit wedc.org/programs/international-market-access-grant/.
Funded by the Wisconsin Initiative for Agricultural Exports* and Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation.
During the afternoons of October 1 and 2, inbound buyers can register to attend farm tours and visit with farm owners and managers providing details about their operations.
“The tours showcase Wisconsin farms with great management,” notes Karen Nielsen of Global Dairy Outreach, who has been organizing farm tours during World Dairy Expo since 1996. “We balance a smaller dairy with a larger dairy, so visitors can get a feel for varying types of operations.” This year’s tours include 250-cow to 3,000-cow dairies; various styles of parlors including robotic, rotary and herringbone; farms with agricultural tourism operations; on-farm processing; on-farm sales and more.
Tours depart at 12:30 p.m. from the Alliant Energy Center Exhibition Hall. Participants return to the grounds by 6 p.m. Space is limited.
For details email info@globalcow.com or call (802) 254-2879.
 October 3, 2024 – Madison, Wisconsin
Exporters, breeders, veterinarians, and freight providers are invited to an Export Workshop on Thursday, October 3, from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m. in Mendota Room 4 at the Alliant Energy Center Exhibit Hall during World Dairy Expo in Madison, WI. Covering the global dairy outlook, export protocols, certification, financing, and order fulfillment, this event will feature experts from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, USDA-APHIS, Export-Import Bank, and Livestock Exporters Association of the USA (LEA).
This event is free with admission to World Dairy Expo and seating is limited. Scan the code above or visit https://forms.office.com/g/ws9nZdCJTW to register.
For details, contact Jennifer Lu.
 The International Producer Symposium will provide information on dairy business profitability for global dairy producers. The symposium will run from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday, October 3, in Mendota Room 4 at the Alliant Energy Center Exhibit Hall during World Dairy Expo in Madison, WI.
The first speaker, Paul Fricke, University of Wisconsin–Madison professor and extension specialist in dairy cattle reproduction, will present “Building a Foundational Repro Program.” His talk will focus on reproductive efficiency of dairy cattle, applying knowledge gained through scientific research, developing practical management strategies, and assessing new reproductive technologies.
The second speaker, Pamela Ruegg, professor of large animal clinical sciences at Michigan State University, specializes in mastitis and milk quality and focuses on bridging the gap between research and practical applications on dairy farms. She will present on “Gaining a Competitive Edge in Milk Quality.”
This event is free with World Dairy Expo admission and seating is limited; to register, scan the code above or go to https://forms.office.com/g/YyYTQXY4BP.
For details, contact Shirley Acedo.
 Farmers, processors, businesses, and global industry stakeholders are invited to attend the Global Dairy Summit, hosted by DATCP on Friday, October 4, 9-11:30 a.m. Global dairy leaders presenting at the summit include Krysta Harden, President and CEO of the U.S. Dairy Export Council; Mike McCully, President and Owner of McCully Consulting; Heather Anfang, President of Dairy Foods and Executive Vice President of Land O’ Lakes, Inc; and Dave Lenzmeier, Chief Executive Officer of Milk Specialties Global. Following the presentations, Corey Geiger, Lead Economist for Dairy at CoBank, will moderate a panel discussion with audience questions.
This event is free with World Dairy Expo admission. For more information and to register, visit Global Dairy Summit (wi.gov).
 November 10-16, 2024 – Shanghai & Hong Kong
As China's leading showcase for imported food and drinks, Food and Hospitality China (FHC) offers exhibitors the opportunity to meet buyers from wholesale and retail outlets as well as manufacturers, importers, distributors, and representatives from the hospitality and catering trades in China and across Asia. FHC’s main exhibits include high-end dairy products, tea and coffee, bakery, snacks, confectionary, chocolate, meat and seafood, catering design and decoration products, and supply chain products. It is a USDA-endorsed trade show and an ideal platform for entering or expanding into the Chinese market.
Hong Kong is a dynamic gateway to Asia's lucrative markets that offers excellent access to affluent consumers who crave high-quality, safe, and sustainably produced food—perfect for Wisconsin’s agricultural products. With its streamlined trade policies and top-tier logistics, Hong Kong not only enhances brand visibility but also facilitates smooth business operations, fostering strong trade relationships and providing growth opportunities for Wisconsin food exporters.
Interested in participating? Contact Jennifer Lu.
Download the flyer for more details.
November 18-22, 2024 – Kenya and Tanzania
Join DATCP on a dairy trade mission to Kenya and Tanzania. Kenya is the largest dairy producer and consumer of all 54 African nations and is the economic, financial, and transport hub for East and Central Africa with promising dairy opportunities.
Network with Kenyan and Tanzanian dairy business prospects and attend on-farm assessments and demonstrations related to genetics, nutrition, and animal health. Participants are responsible for airfare, hotel, and most meals. The registration deadline is October 1, 2024.
Interested in participating? Contact Shirley Acedo.
Funded by US Livestock and Genetics Export (USLGE) and Wisconsin Initiative for Agricultural Exports*.
 February 17-21, 2025 – Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Wisconsin processed food companies are invited to exhibit in the Wisconsin Pavilion at Gulfood 2025. With global attendees, Gulfood is the place to meet and connect with food buyers worldwide. Participating companies are required to sign up for Food Export-Midwest Food Show Plus! services. DATCP offers a turnkey, furnished, and shared booth package. Participants are accepted on a first-come basis and are responsible for airfare, hotel, and meals.
Interested in participating? Contact Shirley Acedo.
 March 12-14, 2025 – Bangkok, Thailand
Held every other year in Bangkok, Thailand, VIV Asia is the largest and most complete feed-to-food event in Asia. Participating companies meet with buyers in feed production, animal farming, breeding, genetics, veterinary and animal health solutions, slaughtering, meat, fish, egg, and dairy processing. DATCP offers a turnkey, furnished, and shared booth package. The deadline to register is December 1, 2024, and registrants will be accepted on a first-come basis. Participants are responsible for airfare, hotel, and meals.
Interested in participating? Contact Jennifer Lu.
April 8-10, 2025 – São Paulo, Brazil
Wisconsin processed food companies are invited to exhibit in the Wisconsin Pavilion at Anuga Select Brazil where entrepreneurs, business owners, and food and beverage industry professionals can meet new suppliers, learn from industry experts, and have in-depth discussions about the industry's latest global trends.
Anuga Select Brazil is the most complete showcase of national and international product launches for retail, food service chains, and hospitality.
Interested in participating? Contact Jacob Leum.
 May 5-8, 2025 – Milan, Italy
TuttoFood is the B2B exhibition for the entire agri-food ecosystem. Global and innovative, it is the world reference point for producers and distributors of quality products across the complete food and beverage supply chain, who meet during the exhibition potential buyers such as distributors, importers, proximity stores, gourmet stores, food service, out of home professionals, and chefs.
TuttoFood is an event that looks to the future and develops innovation in line with consumer trends and market dynamics. It is a business and content platform for the world’s entire food community, where food tradition meets innovation. And it is a national and international point of reference for sector development and the identification, planning, and steering of a food sector relaunch.
For more information, contact: Shirley Acedo.
May 5-8, 2025 – Cologne, Germany
Join DATCP at Interzum Cologne 2025, the world’s leading trade fair for furniture production and interior design. This event hosts over 74,000 visitors from more than 150 countries with industry leader networking opportunities and the chance to explore new markets.
For Wisconsin forestry product suppliers, it's a platform to showcase our state's high-quality hardwood and softwood products, connecting with potential buyers and expanding into the European market. Funded by WIAE, the booth space is free of charge. Participants are responsible for their own travel, hotel and meals. State and federal funding are available for certain product categories. Reserve your spot now and take your business to the next level!
Interested in participating? Contact Jennifer Lu.
The USDA Foreign Agricultural Service's (FAS) agricultural trade missions help American companies increase their global reach. Upcoming missions include the following:
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Morocco (Casablanca, with buyers from Senegal and Francophone West Africa): Week of December 2, 2024
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Bangkok, Thailand: February 2025
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Guatemala City, Guatemala: March 2025
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Hong Kong: May 2025
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Lima, Peru: June 2025
Learn more and register at the USDA FAS website.
 June 10-14, 2024, DATCP and the Ginseng Board of Wisconsin (GBW) embarked on a fact-finding trade mission to Thailand. With the support of USDA Foreign Agricultural Service Bangkok, the delegation engaged with Thai Food and Drug Administration and potential buyers and distributors, visited Bangkok’s Chinatown retailers, and built strong business relationships with the Thai industry.
The trip helped to gain crucial insights into Thai import regulations, confirmed ginseng's approval for food and supplements, and explored partnership opportunities with leading universities and commercial companies, setting the stage to boost the presence of Wisconsin ginseng in a market ripe for health and wellness products.
 On June 17, 2024, DATCP Secretary Randy Romanski welcomed a USDA Cochran India Dairy Delegation, coordinated by the U.S. Livestock Genetic Export Council (USLGE).
The delegation, part of the USDA Cochran Fellowship Program, engaged in a valuable exchange of ideas with State Veterinarian Dr. Darlene Konkle, Division of Agricultural Development Administrator Krista Knigge, and Dairy Services Section Manager Laura Traas. They discussed Wisconsin’s dairy industry, animal health, food safety, dairy policy, and DATCP farm assistance programs.
This collaboration with USLGE strengthens ties and opens new avenues for trade and growth between India and Wisconsin. India is the world's largest milk producer and is interested in Wisconsin and U.S. dairy genetics to enhance their dairy production.
 On June 23-28, 2024, DATCP and Center for Dairy Research (CDR) staff joined a trade mission to China that was organized by the U.S. Dairy Export Council. With a burgeoning middle class of 600 million people and relatively low dairy consumption compared to neighboring countries, China presents a great opportunity for Wisconsin's dairy industry.
This mission helped strengthen ties with Chinese dairy importers. Fifteen USDEC members, including Agropur, AMPI, Milk Specialties Global, Orange Cheese Company, Organic Valley, Schreiber Foods Inc. Schuman Cheese, and Talmera USA attended. Participants engaged with key stakeholders, including government officials, industry leaders, and potential buyers, promoting the top-notch quality and safety of Wisconsin dairy products and exploring avenues for collaboration and growth in the dynamic Chinese market. CDR staff learned more about the taste profile of Chinese consumers and attended meetings with Pizza Hut staff to gain first-hand information to help Wisconsin and U.S. dairy companies adapt product to meet Chinese market demand.
 The 15th China Dairy Expo was held in Wuhan China July 3-5, 2024. Organized by the China Dairy Association and supported by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of China, the expo featured 560 exhibitors and attracted over 60,000 visitors.
The Wisconsin Pavilion showcased six businesses and products including Bio-Nutrition, Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery, Esmilco, Frondita Biogroup, Milk Specialties Global, and SAWAGRO LLC. Other Wisconsin companies such as GENEX, ABS Global, ST Genetics, World Wide Sires, CH Agriculture, and CALF TEL also exhibited.
Wisconsin participants engaged in B2B meetings, and the pavilion served as a networking hub for many Chinese customers, partner organizations and FAS China staff. The event provided valuable insights for Wisconsin exporters, generated new trade leads with export sales and enhanced Wisconsin's presence in the Chinese dairy industry.
 On May 28-30, 2024, Carrefour International Du Bois Trade Show took place in Nantes, France, with buyers of hardwood and softwood lumber, logs, and veneer from France, Portugal, Brazil, USA, Italy, Spain, India, Italy, Belgium, Albania, Panama, and the UK.
This tradeshow is a leading wood-focused show in Europe, bringing together exhibitors and international visitors. Major focus areas included sawn timber, panels, parquet flooring, specialized trade, and wood construction solutions. Both American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC) and Softwood Export Council exhibited, along with Department of Agriculture of North Carolina and Virginia and other U.S. hardwood companies. Granite Valley and Ort Flooring exhibited in the Wisconsin booth. The U.S. Embassy in France hosted a touch-base with the U.S. Forest Products Industry. Speakers included Mike Snow, AHEC Executive Director; Rupert Oliver, AHEC Environmental Policy Director; Rose Branden, President of the U.S. Softwood Council; David Leishman, U.S. Agriculture Trade Officer at the U.S. Embassy in France; and Trip Taylor, U.S. Agricultural Attaché. Topics of discussion included AHEC and the American Softwood Council, and the impacts and work around European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).
On July 22-27, 2024, DATCP and the United States Meat Export Federation (USMEF) exhibited at Food and Hotel Indonesia (FHI). DATCP promoted the Wisconsin meat industry by sampling Johnsonville sausages to attendees and meeting with importers and distributors. DATCP staff met officials from the Nebraska Governor delegation, Indiana Soybean Alliance, USDA-Foreign Agricultural Service Jakarta, and United States Dairy Export Council (USDEC), and attended a market briefing and retail tours to gain Indonesian market insights.
Indonesia is the fourth most populous country in the world and boasts a growing middle class contributing to half of the national consumption. This presents a thriving market driven by economic progress and increasing consumer purchasing power. The country's rapid urbanization and growing digital economy have significantly influenced the consumer habits and food trends of urban Indonesians, leading to substantial growth in the food and beverage sector. With the world's largest Muslim population, Indonesia is striving to meet domestic demands while positioning itself as a key player in the global halal food and beverage export landscape.
*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. WIAE was proposed in Gov. Tony Evers' 2021-23 biennial state budget.
For more information on WIAE, sign up for email updates and visit the DATCP website.
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