SUSTA logo Produce Image  Produce Image  Produce Image
  Southern United States Trade Association
 Produce Image
Search For ExportersEvents Foreign BuyersU.S. SuppliersMy SUSTA
About Us
Services
Basics of
Exporting
Introduction
 Financial
Assistance
Export Packing,
Marking &
Containerization
Export Documents
Business
Travel Abroad
Conclusion
Appendices
Virtual
Trade Show
Press Room
Staff & Contacts
Home
     
 

Basics of Exporting- Foreword

The Southern United States Trade Association (SUSTA) is a non-profit export development organization aimed at increasing the export of southern U.S. food and agricultural products. SUSTA works closely with the U.S. Department of Agriculture in the fifteen southern states and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. We are funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS).

Since 1973, our programs and services have assisted exporters of high-value food and agricultural products. 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.

MAP Branded Program

The MAP Branded Program, or Market Access Program (MAP) Branded, reimburses companies up to 50 percent for international marketing expenses, such as trade show participation, advertising, in-store demonstrations, consumer or retailer educational seminars, product label compliance, etc. Companies must apply for the program each year. Companies are eligible for SUSTA's Branded program if they: 1) are classified as "small" by the U.S. Small Business Administration standards, 2) have at least $100,000 in sales, and 3) have products with at least a 50 percent U.S. agricultural origin. For more information about MAP Branded, see Appendix A.

Generic Program

Under SUSTA's Generic Program, low-cost activities are organized by SUSTA and the state Departments of Agriculture. These activities unite U.S. companies with foreign buyers through trade missions, inbound trade missions, one-onone meetings, hotel and restaurant promotions, in-store promotions, market research, and trade show presence. Generic promotions focus on commodities or products that are at least 50 percent U.S. agricultural origin and not represented by another promotion organization (i.e. Meat Export Federation).

Market Research

Finally, for companies developing an export marketing plan, SUSTA funds and publishes research and data to assist in the effective identification of countries on which to focus their efforts. In addition, SUSTA provides quality trade leads, information about exporting, and up-to-date information on trade shows and industry events worldwide. More detailed information can be found at www.susta.org.

Back to Table of Contents
Forward to Introduction



 

  Disclaimer | Webmaster: webmaster@susta.org  

 Copyright © 2012 by the Southern United States Trade Association. All rights reserved.