Companies can generate interest
from foreign buyers by displaying and
sampling products at trade shows that
specialize in organic and natural
products.
During the fall of 2009, OTA will
also be organizing a press mission and
tour in which media representatives
from the EU and Japan will be invited. The purpose will be to highlight
U.S. goods now available to those
markets in light of regulatory changes
in those regions.
Individual companies can also participate in MAP’s branded program
for brand promotion. For this, companies can be reimbursed up to 50
percent for export-related costs, such
as attendance at trade shows, as long
as they meet specified criteria.
There are also opportunities to
take part in USDA-sponsored “
tabletop shows” where companies can send
samples and product brochures that
are specific to foreign buyers.
The Future of Organic Exporting
Today, there remains more international demand for organic
goods than the supply, which means many foreign buyers are looking
to the United States to help meet demand.
The data on regulatory differences currently being researched will
make great strides in helping us understand how to better reach out
to these markets. However, even more important to facilitate international trade are ongoing efforts toward harmonization and mutual
recognition of each others’ standards and mechanisms.
“We are moving toward harmonization, but this takes place slowly
on a regulatory timetable,” Litzinger said. “As more harmonization
takes place, it may become easier and less costly to export due to decreased certification costs. This, in turn, may make it more feasible
for businesses to consider export-
David Gagnon, chief
ing organic goods.
operating officer and
Until then, be sure to do
managing director for
your homework on the interna-
the OTA
tional regulations and markets.
( www.ota.com), serves
When you do, you will most
as the OTA leader on
likely find that there is a world
U.S. organic export projects. He can
of exporting opportunities wait-
be reached at dgagnon@ota.com. ing for you.
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