Basics of Exporting- Foreword

The Southern United States Trade Association (SUSTA) is a non-profit export market development association composed of fifteen southern states and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. SUSTA works in conjunction with the various State Departments of Agriculture and the United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) to further its mission. SUSTA's mission is to develop export markets for the agricultural and food products of its region and thus enhance the region's economic well being. SUSTA's Board of Directors consists of the Agricultural Commissioner of each southern state and Puerto Rico.

Founded in 1973, the association provides its member states and their respective companies with international marketing services, market research and a means of accessing federal funds. By providing these services to the southern region of the U.S., the SUSTA mission is furthered and an increase in agricultural exports enhances the well being of the region. SUSTA is able to provide these services to the region due to the financial support of its member states, associate members, private companies and the USDA/FAS.

Through the Market Access Program (MAP) SUSTA organizes both "generic" or industry-wide promotions and brand promotions of high value food and agricultural products. Generic activities include in-store promotions, demonstrations, trade shows and educational seminars. For example, SUSTA is currently involved in a "Go South!" promotion to increase the level of Southern fresh fruits and vegetables in the Canadian market. In the past, SUSTA has also promoted American alligator hides as a renewable resource as well as a durable and elegant material.

Additionally, SUSTA provides matching funds to eligible U.S. companies to promote their individual brands. The MAP Branded allows SUSTA to meet the varied needs of regional processors, packers and growers. Eligible expenses include, but are not limited to, advertising, public relations activities, trade shows and in-store demonstrations. The flexibility of MAP Branded Funds enables companies with varied products such as hot sauce, frozen yogurt, catfish and mangoes to promote their products in the markets with the greatest potential for their individual products.

SUSTA is a dynamic organization designed to foster and encourage demand for the companies and products in the region. SUSTA provides these services with one goal in mind - global export development for southern food and agricultural products.

Conventions
Throughout this publication the names of organizations appear in bold. When this is the case, the organization referred to is contained in Appendix A Contact Information. The goal of this publication is to inform new to export food and agricultural companies in the southern region about exporting and the potential benefits of exporting. Because this publication is to be used as a reference and guide, a Glossary of Export Terms has been provided in Appendix B.

Disclaimer
The Southern United States Trade Association (SUSTA) does not discriminate in its programs on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, political beliefs, or marital/family status.

SUSTA does not endorse any of the products or services mentioned herein. The information contained in this publication is for informational purposes only. It is provided as a service in furtherance of SUSTA's nonprofit and tax-exempt status. SUSTA makes no representations about the suitability of this information and these services for any purpose.

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