9/14/2010
The Southern United States Trade Association (SUSTA) is now accepting applications for the 2011 Branded Program. U.S. exporters are tapping into marketing resources like the Branded Program and expanding their businesses in what most would consider tough times. SUSTA provided Market Access Program (MAP) Branded funding to more than 70 small firms in 2009, with participants reporting nearly $95 million in sales as a result of their promotions. The MAP Branded Program is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service (USDA/FAS) and administered to southern U.S. companies by SUSTA. West Virginia is a member of this regional trade group, and eligible firms are encouraged to apply for funding.
West Virginia Agriculture Commissioner Gus R. Douglass is a founding member of the organization and serves on its board of directors.
“West Virginia agricultural companies and agents are eligible for this funding as they explore international markets. As key trading partners become more accessible through trade agreements and treaties, West Virginia is poised to strengthen its international presence in the food marketplace. The WVDA is currently working with in-state companies in established markets such as Canada, and developing markets such as Australia. I encourage them to consider these matching funds as they enter international commerce,” said Commissioner Douglass.
With the help of the MAP Branded Program, which reimburses 50 percent of members’ international marketing costs, growers and food producers are able to plant the marketing dollar “seed” and double their promotional budget. Advertising, trade shows, labeling and freight are just a few of the expenses MAP Branded can cover. To be eligible for the Branded program, companies must be considered small according to U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) standards, have yearly sales of at least $100,000, and promote a brand-name product that is at least 50 percent U.S. agricultural origin.
MAP Branded funds are available throughout the year as long as funds are available. Most companies plan their upcoming international calendar and then apply early for funds for the upcoming year.
Companies applying for MAP Branded funds can download the 2011 Pre-Qualification Worksheet on the SUSTA website at www.susta.org/services/map_application.html. SUSTA is also still accepting applications for 2010 Branded funding. For more information, contact Cindy Martel at the West Virginia Department of Agriculture at 304-469-9738 or cmartel@ag.state.wv.us.
The West Virginia Department of Agriculture protects plant, animal and human health through a variety of scientific, regulatory and consumer protection programs, as mandated by state law. The Commissioner of Agriculture is one of six statewide elected officials in West Virginia. For more information, visit www.wvagriculture.org.
Contact Information
Gus R. Douglass
(304) 558-3200