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IL
Agriculture on Facebook  and Twitter!
Contact
the Illinois Department of Agriculture, Bureau of
Marketing and Promotion for assistance with all your trade and
product development questions at 217.782.2172. Go here to find our most
recent programs and
services guide.
.gif) ILLINOIS
PRODUCTS SHOWCASE PROVIDES TOP CENTRAL ILLINOIS EXPOSURE FOR COMPANIES--SIGN
YOUR COMPANY UP TODAY!
IDOA, Jacksonville Chamber Partner to Showcase Illinois Businesses
to Consumers
The Illinois Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Marketing, and the
Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce are again teaming to showcase Illinois
Products to central Illinois consumers at this year's Illinois Products
Showcase to be held at Hamilton's "110 N. East" in Jacksonville,
IL, on Thursday, November 18, 2010, from 4-7 p.m. Last year, nearly
500 consumers attended this three-hour event! Download the flier here. To participate or to receive
additional information, contact Bob Reese, at Bob.Reese@illinois.gov
or call him at 217.524.9130.
(PHOTO:
EXHIBITORS READY THEIR WARES FOR THE CONSUMER ONSLAUGHT AT ONE OF THE
IDoA-HOSTED PRODUCTS EXPOS)
MORE THAN $1 MILLION AVAILABLE TO DEVELOP SCHOOL GARDENS
The USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) has just announced the availability
of $1 million for a people’s Garden School Pilot Program. Deadline for
applications is October 8, 2010. To get more information go the the USDA blog
by clicking here.
Announcing Food Export-Midwest’s 2011 Program Year Launch!
Food Export’s 2011 program year is now open! You can now submit your
pre-qualification for the 2011 Branded Program and register for all 2011
Buyers Missions, Focused Trade Missions, and Food Show PLUS!™ activities
Go to www.brandedprogram.org
to submit your Branded Program pre-qualification today. Click here to view the Branded
Program Manual.
Follow this link to view our
2011 Activity Calendar to assist in planning your 2011 exporting activities.
Visit our Activities Page to register for our Buyers
Missions, Focused Trade Missions, and Food Show PLUS!™ activities by
following this link.
TRADE
ACTIVITIES
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Domestic (click on link
for more information)
Export Exchange
2010--Dried Distilers Grains (DDGs & Renewable Energy)--October 6-8,
2010 at the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place Hotel in Chicago
2010 Grain Tour
-- Illinois Statewide -- October 10-14, 2010
7th Illinois Food
Expo (for Buyers), October 13, 2010, Drury Lane Theatre Center, Oakbrook
Terrace, IL
The Best Way to
Getting Started in Exporting, October 25, 2010, St. Louis, MO
Americas Food
& Beverage Show, October 26-27, 2010, Miami, FL
Women’s Lifestyle
Conference, Saturday, October 30, Peoria Civic Center, Peoria, IL
Great
American Cooking Expo, November 13-14th, Chicago, IL
Retail Buyers'
Mission at the 2010 PLMA Trade Show, Nov 14th to 16th, Rosemont, IL REGISTRATION
DEADLINE: NOVEMBER 1, 2010
2010 Illinois
Products Showcase, November 18, 2010, Jacksonville, IL
Webinar: “How to
Successfully Exhibit At Overseas Trade Shows”, November 18, 2:00 p.m.
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International (click on
link for more information)
2010 Figap/VIV Latin
America Show, October 21-23, 2010 Guadalajara, Mexico
Vietstock 2010
Expo and Forum, November 10-12, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Foodex Japan, March
1-4, 2011, Tokyo, Japan
ANTAD Show, March
9-11, 2011, Guadalajara, Mexico; March 7-8, Mexico City
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News and Other Links
Virtual Trade Shows, Accomplishments and Other Sales
Opportunities (click to read)
President Obama
National Export Proclamation
Virtual Trade
Shows
Online
Product Catalog
Branded Program
Market
Builder
Food Export
Helpline
Food-to-School
Network
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Web Links
Know Your Food,
Know Your Farmer (loans and grants available under new federal initiative)
National Leafy
Green Marketing Proposal
Illinois Food
Technology (check out the most recent edition!)
Organic.org
Eatwild.com
Community-Supported
Agriculture
Find Jobs in
Illinois Agriculture
Download National
Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) Newsletter
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Presidential Export Initiative
Click here
to see the President's newest Executive Order which seeks to assist in
doubling U.S. exports in the next five years, something which would
significantly boost Illinois' already strong standing in the world of global
traders.
Give Virtual Trade a Try
The Bureau of Agriculture Marketing and Promotion is offering Illinois food
companies an opportunity to make a foray into the world of virtual
tradeshows. A virtual trade fair platform gives you immediate access from
your computer to thousands of potential business partners worldwide,
including clients, distributors, manufacturers and suppliers. All of the virtual
trade shows are absolutely free to visitors. This means attendees have
immediate and easy access to your corporate details, downloadable brochures
and catalogues, featured products, promotional videos and websites for an
entire year. Illinois is willing to offer interested companies a Silver
Sponsorship for $325.
A Silver Sponsorship includes:
Two display banners
Up to 50 featured items
Up to 10 document uploads
Up to five video uploads; and
One live text chat function.
A virtual show is a one month interactive event, but remains online as an
informative site for six months. For more information or to take advantage of
our Bureau of Marketing discount, contact contact Kim Hamilton at kim.hamilton@illinois.gov
or call her at 217.782.5809. Home.
EXPORT
EXCHANGE 2010--DRIED DISTILERS GRAINS (DDGS & RENEWABLE ENERGY)--OCTOBER
6-8, 2010, Hyatt Regency McCormick Place Hotel in Chicago
As part of its ongoing efforts to help Illinois ethanol producers find new
markets and expand existing ones for Dried Distillers Grains (DDGs), the
Illinois Department of Agriculture is co-sponsoring Export Exchange 2010.
Export Exchange 2010 will bring together more than 150 international buyers
of U.S. DDGS and coarse grains with more than 300 U.S. producers and
agribusinesses. The U.S. DDGS and coarse grains industry will have an
unprecedented venue to meet their export customers and strengthen
relationships that will foster future business opportunities. The conference
will address critical issues facing U.S. exporters and seek to educate and
build awareness of U.S. DDGS and coarse grains among international buyers. An
estimated 80 percent of the world’s top DDGS and coarse grains
buyers will attend. Visit the U.S. Grains Council website and the Renewable Fuels website for additional
information. The event will be held Oct. 6-8, 2010, at the Hyatt Regency
McCormick Place Hotel in Chicago, Ill. Contact Terry English at terry.english@illinois.gov
or at 217/785-0115.
2010
GRAIN TOUR -- ILLINOIS STATEWIDE -- OCTOBER 10 THRU OCTOBER 14, 2010
The Illinois Dept. of Agriculture (IDOA) is organizing the Illinois Grain
Industry Tour for international guests, for September/October, 2010. The
Grain Tour is held annually during harvest, usually in early October.
Participants are recruited from Illinois Department of Agriculture offices in
Mexico and Hong Kong. During this tour, visitors will have an excellent
opportunity to visit outstanding Identity Preserved Grain companies. They
will also meet nationally-known Illinois grain industry leaders, tour ethanol
plants, visit Illinois and Mississippi River terminals, assess rail and truck
facilities, see facilities at the University of Illinois, visit the Chicago
Board of Trade and tour family grain operations. Tour participants will also
visit agribusinesses including some of the best grain equipment companies in
the world. The visitors will collect information that will help them better
manage their own grain operations. For more information, contact Terry
English at terry.english@illinois.gov or at
217.785.0115. Home.
7th
ILLINOIS FOOD EXPO (FOR BUYERS), DRURY LANE THEATRE CENTER, Wednesday,
October 13, 2010, Oakbrook Terrace, IL
“7th Illinois Food Expo Food Show” will be held on Wednesday, October 13th,
2010, at the Drury Lane Theatre Center, Oakbrook Terrace, IL. The show hours
will be from 12:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. The cost to exhibit will be only $175
(without electricity) and $250 (with electricity).
Last year, 104 retail & foodservice buyers attended the show.
You will be allowed to prepare and sample you food product(s) in your 10
ft. x 10 ft. exhibit space. You will not be allowed any access to the kitchen
at the Drury Lane Theatre Center. We continue to attempt to improve our list
of food buyers to invite. As a point of information, at the Land of Lincoln
Food Expo food show that we held in Springfield, IL in January, 2010, two
representatives from the Kroger-Central Division, Indianapolis, one
representative from the Schnucks Markets Corporate Office, St. Louis, one
representative from Jewel-Osco Corporate Office, Itasca, and two
representative from the Dominick’s Corporate Office, Oakbrook attended the
food show. In addition, the Store Directors from eight Hy-Vee Stores were
planning to attend the show (until the freezing rain hit Springfield and
north on the day of the show). Hy-Vee has expressed interest in working more
with Illinois companies. (NOTE: Until the Land of Lincoln Food Expo show in
January, 2010, no buyer representative from any of those companies has ever
attended one of our food shows in the past. We are very hopeful that they
will attend this show.)
An “Interest in Participating” Form is here. Please complete and return this form
as soon as possible. If you participate with us, you will be sent a list of
over 2, 000 retail and food service food buyers that will be invited to the
show. Contact Larry Aldag at larry.aldag@illinois.gov or 217.524-3012.Home.
THE
BEST WAY TO GETTING STARTED IN EXPORTING, October 25, 2010, St. Louis, MO.
Learn step-by-step the process of how to expand your business by entering the
export market Join Food Export-Midwest and the Missouri Department of
Agriculture to discuss exciting opportunities in the international export
market as well as federal assistance programs available to help U.S. food
exporters break into new markets. In 2009, all U.S. agricultural exports
worldwide totaled over $96 billion. You’ll learn the keys to exporting
success: Speaker: Dennis Lynch, Export Counselor, Food Export Helpline. Click
here for the flier. Contact Kim Hamilton
at kim.hamilton@illinois.gov
or 217.782.5809.Home.
AMERICAS
FOOD AND BEVERAGE SHOW, OCTOBER 26-27, 2010, Miami, FLA
The Illinois Department of Agriculture is coordinating Illinois companies’
participation in the USA Pavilion at the Americas Food and Beverage Show,
October 26-27, at the Miami Beach Convention Center, Miami, FL. The cost to
exhibit is $1250 for a 10X10 booth space and pre-set one-on-one meetings with
prospective international buyers. Booth package includes: carpeting,
wastebasket, 6-foot draped table, 2 chairs, 110-volt outlet and company
signage. Recruitment Flier and Pricing. Contact Kim
Hamilton at kim.hamilton@illinois.gov or 217.782.5809.Home.
WOMENS
LIFESTYLE CONFERENCE, OCTOBER 30, 2010, Peoria, IL
The 2010 Women’s Lifestyle Conference will be held Saturday, October 30th in
the Peoria Civic Center, Peoria, Illinois, from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Last
year, over 12,000 women attended the one day conference & trade show.
This is a great opportunity to sample and sell your product(s) to women in
Central Illinois.
In 2009, 325 vendors participated.
The Show Management for this event contacted the IL Department of
Agriculture again this year and offered a reduced rate to Illinois companies
that we recruit to participate. Again this year, they are offering a reduced
rate of $250 (plus $55 for electricity, if needed & ordered in advance).
They are providing this special offer to the first 20 Illinois companies that
sign up. You will be placed in an “Illinois Products” section at the show.
(If you would go through the show managers to participate, you would pay $600
to participate.)
Again, the first 20 companies who respond will receive the reduced rate.
Prior to being approved, your company’s products will need to be approved
by the Catering Department of the Peoria Civic Center (to avoid competition).
To participate, please complete and return the attached Vendor Application by fax or mail to…WEEK
(see bottom of the Vendor Application for sending information). Contact
Larry Aldag at larry.aldag@illinois.gov or 217.524.3012.Home.
2010 GREAT AMERICAN COOKING EXPO, NOVEMBER 13-14, Chicago, IL
The Expo will be held at the Arlington Park Racetrack, 2200 West Euclid Ave.
Arlington Park, IL. The Great American Cooking Expo is a consumer culinary
show. Last year, approximately 3,500 consumers attended last year’s
Expo.Illinois companies can participate in one of two ways this year, as
follows:
OPTION #1
Pavilion Style Exhibit - Exclusively for IDOA Members
$250 (without electricity)
Each pavilion space will be equivalent to a 10' deep by 7' across area, just
no side rail separating booths.
Each participant will receive an 8' high back drape, one 6' table either
42" or 30" high, a wastebasket, a company sign, your company name
listed and linked on Cooking Expo website and 24 hour security.
OPTION #2
Standard 10 ft. x 10 ft. exhibit space
$495.00 (without electricity)
Each participant will receive an 8' high back drape, 3’ side drapes, one 6'
table either 42" or 30" high, a wastebasket, a company sign, your
company name listed and linked on Cooking Expo website, and 24 hour security.
The cost of electricity under either option is as follows: Standard -
1-1000 watt, 120v, 2 outlets, 10 amps - - $100.00 (when ordered 3 weeks prior
to move in).
New for 2010 - - larger venue 70,000 sq. ft. exhibit hall; high profile
location, families welcomed and preferred November dates, all to assist
companies looking to increase sales and build brand exposure.
To participate or to receive additional information, contact Todd
Lazzarotto, Director of Sales, The Great American Cooking Expo, 847-212-5266
Phone, 815-308-5332 Fax, or email Todd at tlazz@thecookingexpo.com.
The website is here. Home.
RETAIL BUYERS
MISSION AT THE 2010 PLMA TRADE SHOW, NOVEMBER 14-16, Rosemont, IL,
Registration Deadline: November 1
The Illinois Department of Agriculture will be organizing a state pavilion at
the 2010 PLMA Private Label Trade Show. The PLMA Show is the premier event
for private label products and continues to grow and improve every year.
Participate with the Illinois Department of Agriculture and present your
capabilities to buyers seeking products and processors to manufacture under
their own brands. This show screens attendees to maintain a high ratio of
qualified buyers and the show attracts both national and international
visitors. Plan on sampling your products and highlighting your manufacturing,
processing, packaging, and delivery capabilities. Flier is here. Contact Jim Mackey: jim.mackey@illinois.gov
or 217-782-2581. Home.
2010
ILLINOIS PRODUCTS SHOWCASE, NOVEMBER 18, 2010, Jacksonville, IL
This event, at Hamilton's Catering "110 N. East" in Jacksonville,
is the premier Central Illinois Illinois food and food products showcase. If
you cannot attend, you may provide coupons or samples for presentation our
highly visible showcase display table.
Last year, more than 30 Illinois companies dished out samples to nearly
500 consumers, generating more than $3,000 in sales. A smart and creative
advertising strategy between IDOA and the Jacksonville Chamber should ensure
another heavily attended event this year.
The event is scheduled to last from 4:00PM to 7:00 PM. THERE
IS NO CHARGE FOR YOU TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS EVENT--except for the
product you sample and your time. This event provides a venue for
participating Illinois companies to sell their wares prior to the holiday
season. The flier is here.
To participate or to receive additional information, contact Bob Reese, at
Bob.Reese@illinois.gov
or call him at 217.524.9130. Home.
WEBINAR:
“HOW TO SUCCESSFULLY EXHIBIT AT OVERSEAS TRADE SHOWS”, NOVEMBER 18, 2:00 P.M
Exhibiting at international trade shows can be one of the most effective ways
to gain international exposure and promote your products in a foreign market.
Sometimes, however, exhibitors don’t take full advantage of the opportunity.
Join us on November 18 as we explore some of the ways you can maximize your
trade show experience and be a more effective and successful exhibitor.
Attendees will learn about:
• How to select the right trade shows that complement your overall export
strategy
• What information and material you need to be adequately prepared
• Strategies to increase traffic to your tradeshow booth
• How can you avoid the most common mistakes in exhibiting
• What financial assistance is available to exhibit at overseas trade shows
• Recommendations for following up with leads
To participate or to receive additional information, contact Kim Hamilton,
at Kim.Hamilton@illinois.gov
or call her at 217.782.5809. Home.
2010
FIGAP/VIV LATIN AMERICA SHOW, OCTOBER 21-23, 2010, Guadalajara, Mexico
Latin America's animal protein industry has a lot to offer for international
suppliers in the Feed-to-Meat chain. Poultry, pig and dairy production are on
the rise; as a result, feed production is growing annually at 5 percent.
Therefore, local livestock producers are facing many challenges. New
technologies and production methods are vital to comply with the increasing
consumer demand for safe and healthy food. Business opportunities can be
found throughout the full supply chain, but specifically in the fields of
genetics, animal health, feed ingredients/additives, slaughtering/meat
processing equipment and technology.2010 FIGAP/VIV América Latina is in the
heart of one of the most accessible livestock industries in Latin America:
Mexico. Mexico is a good place to start or expand business with its vast home
market of 106 million consumers. Guadalajara, the country's second largest
city, is capital of the state of Jalisco, which is one of the leading states
for poultry and pig production. FIGAP/VIV América Latina takes place in the
Expo Guadalajara venue. Exhibiting in a 9-booth Illinois pavilion. Contact
Bobby Dowson at bobby.dowson@illinois.gov or 217.782.4755.
Home.
VIETSTOCK
2010 EXPO AND FORUM, NOVEMBER 10-12, 2010, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Vietstock 2010 Expo & Conference – Vietnam’s #1 International Feed,
Livestock & Meat Processing Show will return to Ho Chi Minh City at the new
Saigon Exhibition & Convention Centre, November 10-12. Hosted by the
Department of Livestock Production, the 4th Vietstock Expo and Conference is
expected to attract over 5,000 farmers, integrators, feed millers/mixers,
veterinarians, processors, and retailers from across Vietnam and surrounding
countries. The show will be for any company supplying any of the following to
the industry: animal health supplies, feed production and management, poultry
and egg production, meat processing, dairy and cattle production & swine
production and processing.
Vietnam is the 13th most populous country in the world and the world’s 2nd
fastest growing economy, its GDP is growing at a rate of 7% annually since
2005. Agriculture makes up nearly 20% of the country’s Gross National
Product. Pork is the meat of choice and the Vietnamese government is
subsidizing the Ag industry to keep it viable and strong. Vietnam is a good
place to start or expand business to supply its nearly 86 million people and
South Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City is the epicenter for the country’s
Agriculture. Come join us in this exciting market. Contact Bobby Dowson at bobby.dowson@illinois.gov
or 217.782.4755. Home.
FOODEX
JAPAN, MARCH 1-4, 2011, Tokyo, Japan.
Foodex Japan 2011 is a venue for face-to-face interaction for exhibitors and
buyers from all over the world. It offers opportunities for dynamic
discussions and business possibilities to enter Asian and global markets.
FoodEx Japan is the country’s largest food and beverage trade show and serves
Japan’s $600 billion food market. In 2010, Foodex attracted 83,000 industry
buyers serving the Japanese and Asian food markets and 2,510 exhibitors from
64 countries and regions. Japan is the United States’ largest overseas market
for food and agricultural exports, imports 60% of its food supply worth $50
billion, and is the third largest buyer of U.S. food exports surpassing the
entire EU-27. Foodex is more than a “Japanese show” relecting a strong
regional visitor profile. The top 5 overseas visitors to Foodex include
Korea, Taiwan, China, Thailand, and Hong Kong.
The Illinois Department of Agriculture is considering booth space in the
U.S. Pavilion and will pay 50% of the booth cost for you. The booth package
will include hard walls, carpeting, signage, lighting, furniture (1 round
table, 2 chairs, 1 demo counter, 1 brochure stand, 3 shelves, and 1 trash
can), and daily cleaning of the booth. Price: $3140. Other amenities include:
assistance with hotel accommodations and shipping; one individual entry in
official show catalog, web site and USA Pavilion Directory; pre-show
exhibitor briefing; internet café and business support center; &
exhibitor tour of the Japanese section of the show.
At Foodex, Food Export-Midwest will offer companies Food Show Plus
services at both shows. This will include: a company profile translated into
the local language; interpreter at your company’s booth; feedback about your
product before or after the show, including a customized survey of
similar/like products in the market; retail tours.
By exhibiting in the USA Pavilions, eligible companies can receive up to
50% cost reimbursement for a variety of expenses including exhibiting fees
(50% of booth fees listed above), international travel, set-up, rental and
freight expenses through the Branded Program. The Branded Program supports
the promotion of branded and private label food and agricultural products
overseas and is sponsored by the Foreign Agricultural Service of the USDA.
Download the flier here. Contact Kim Hamilton at kim.hamilton@illinois.gov
or 217.782.5809 for further details or if you are interested in
participating. Home.
ANTAD SHOW,
MARCH 9-11, 2011, Guadalajuara, Mexico; MARCH 7-8, Mexico City
Explore opportunities for your products in a wide range of retailsegments
from the mass market to the high-end niche market. Processed, ready-to-eat,
and frozen food products are gaining in popularity in Mexico as a result of
changing lifestyles, women entering the workforce, and increasing per-capita
income levels. Furthermore, rising levels of wealth mean a growing audience
for imported foods. As purchasing power gradually increases, convenience
foods become seen as a time-saving alternative to traditional meals. FOOD
SHOW PLUS!TM provides the technical and logistical assistance you need to
be a more prepared and effective exhibitor at international tradeshows.
Through Food Show Plus, Food Export-Midwest will offer each participant a 20%
booth credit and that the Illinois Department of Agriculture will offer a 30%
booth credit only to Illinois companies. For Illinois companies, the
participation fee would be $2450 after the booth credits. If companies are
Branded Program eligible, the total cost would be $1225.
ANTAD 2011 is Mexico’s and Latin America’s largest food and supermarket
show. This year’s showexpects to attract 1,800 exhibitors and host nearly
30,000 visitors from different parts of the world.Participants at the 2010
Food Show PLUS!TM reported actual on-site export sales of over$230,000 and an
additional $3.4 million in projected future sales. Download the flier here. Contact Kim Hamilton at kim.hamilton@illinois.gov
or 217.782.5809 for further details or if you are interested in
participating. Home.
Online Product Catalog-Promote Your Products to
International Buyers Without Leaving Your Desk and it’s FREE
Food Export’s
online product catalog is an effective way to promote your products to
qualified buyers from around the world. By including your products in this
virtual directory, overseas buyers easily locate your company and learn about
products you have to offer. It’s targeted promotion to help build your export
business. You upload your product information and photo into the online
product catalog within Food Export’s Export Marketing Resource System. You
can easily change or create a new posting if you introduce a new product,
line extension, or flavor. Each of your products can have a separate entry.
It’s simple and there’s no charge. Food Export’s In-Market Representatives
promote the online product catalog to qualified buyers around the world.
These buyers search the system based on product category, company name, brand
name, label claims, market segments, or other criteria. Once they find you,
the system generates an e-mail sent directly to you with an easily
identifiable subject line. For additional information or to register, log
onto www.foodexportalliance.org, click on
upcoming activities and click on Online Product Catalog under ongoing
activities. Home.
Branded
Program-Get Reimbursed For 50% of Your Qualifying Agricultural Export
Promotional Expenses
Food
Export-Midwest and Food Export-Northeast’s Branded Program is a cost-share
funding program that supports the promotion of branded and private label food
and agricultural products in foreign markets. Participant companies receive
50% cost reimbursement for a wide variety of eligible international marketing
and promotional activities. To pre-qualify for the program or for additional
details, log onto www.foodexportalliance.org, click on
upcoming activities, click on Branded Program under ongoing activities to
learn more. Home.
Market
Builder-Request Custom Market Research for Your Export Products
Discover your
products’ sales potential in international markets with the Market Builder
Program. This service provides customized, in-market research to help you
determine if a market is right for your product. Exporters can find new
distributors or importers, receive valuable feedback about their product and
gain industry insights on topics such as the distribution process and import
regulations and restrictions for 18 international markets. You can use both
Market Scan and Rep Finder or just one component. Market Scan: $400; Rep
Finder: $500; Market Builder Package (Market Scan & Rep Finder): $750.
For additional information or to register, log onto www.foodexportalliance.org, click on
upcoming activities, click on Market Builder under ongoing activities to
learn more. Home.
Food
Export Helpline-Customized Export Assistance is Just a Phone Call Away and
it’s FREE
Food Export
Helpline answers your technical and logistical questions on a wide variety of
exporting related topics from connection to collection and it’s just a
toll-free phone call away! Whether you are new to exporting or you have
exported for years, there are always specific issues and questions that are
unique to your company, products, and export markets. With the Food Export
Helpline, you will speak with an industry expert who will put his more than
20 years of experience to work for you. For additional information, to
register, or to see some of the questions the helpline can assist you with,
log onto www.foodexportalliance.org, click on
Getting Started in Exporting, go down to What’s The Next Step, click on
Midwest. Home.
Farm-to-School
Network Rolling Up Its Sleeves
Farm to School brings healthy food from local
farms to school children nationwide. The program teaches students about the
path from farm to fork, and instills healthy eating habits that can last a
lifetime. At the same time, use of local produce in school meals and
educational activities provides a new direct market for farmers in the area
and mitigates environmental impacts of transporting food long distances. More
than 30 million children eat a school lunch five days a week, 180 days a
year. If school lunch can taste great, and support the local community, it is
a win-win for everyone. Home.
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