Press Releases

April 25, 2004

SUSTA HELPS SOUTHERN U.S. AGRICULTURAL COMPANIES SUPPLY THE WORLD MARKET

“Ninety-six percent of the world’s population is outside of the U.S. – so who’s feeding them?”

New Orleans, LA – It’s no secret that participating in the global marketplace is challenging. But hundreds of small U.S. businesses have gained exposure in international markets. SUSTA (The Southern U.S. Trade Association) provides invaluable services and activities, as well as a matching funds program, to help offset the risks of international marketing.

SUSTA, a non-profit trade association helps U.S. food producers and processors develop international contacts and establish a market presence in countries across the globe. Funded by United States Department of Agriculture's Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS), individual State Departments of Agriculture and private industry, SUSTA gives a giant boost to the agriculture industry.

“Many agricultural businesses often feel their resources are limited.” said Jim Ake, Executive Director of SUSTA, “That is, until they see us. We help open new doors and new possibilities. We help smaller companies access the world market.”

SUSTA administers a matching funds program called the MAP Branded Program, which reimburses up to 50% of an individual company’s costs for many international marketing endeavors. Eligible activities include: advertising, certain package and label modification, international trade shows, point-of-sale materials and more. The 2004 MAP program runs October 1 2004 - September 30, 2005. To find out if your company qualifies for this program, visit www.susta.org.

Other SUSTA sponsored activities include trade missions, buying missions, trade shows, in-store promotions, market research, trade seminars, and hotel and restaurant promotions.

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