About Us

Membership & Membership Criteria
SUSTA was founded in 1973 by the Commissioners of Agriculture in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia. The Puerto Rico Department of Agriculture joined SUSTA in 1980. Each State Department of Agriculture pays yearly dues to participate in SUSTA promotions. Companies located in one of the southern states may also participate in SUSTA promotions.

The Commissioners of Agriculture from the member states and Puerto Rico serve as SUSTA's Board of Directors and set the policies for the association. SUSTA works closely with its states to provide international marketing services for high-value food and agricultural companies.