Applications due January 13, 2012
ANNAPOLIS (December 28, 2011) – The Maryland Department of Agriculture today announced an opportunity for agricultural producers and food businesses to participate in a U.S.-China Agribusiness Trade Mission (ATM), which will take place from March 23-28, 2012. Small-and-medium-sized U.S. agribusinesses are invited to apply to participate in the mission.
The mission aims to improve U.S. agribusiness ties with China through establishing direct trade relations between U.S. producers and Chinese buyers. The product focus of this mission to China includes: retail sector, hotel/restaurant industry, swine (genetics and feed), dairy feed, dairy products, pre-packaged consumer ready goods, tree nuts, dried fruit, frozen meat products, chocolate, wine, spirits, and craft beer.
China boasts the world’s most populous country and second-largest economy. As consumption rates continue to rise, so do the opportunities for U.S. agricultural exports into the country. The China ATM includes a visit to Chengdu, a secondary but growing market on the country’s interior. Shanghai, as the port city, represents an international hub for commerce and a significant primary point of entry for goods into the Chinese marketplace.
Chinese business representatives will meet with selected U.S. agribusiness participants in both locations. Meetings with government and industry officials from both China and the U.S.; presentations by public/private sector experts; one-on-one business meetings and site visits will be scheduled during the Mission. Additional meetings may be arranged by USDA upon request.
USDA will cover all on-ground expenses (transportation, interpretation, conference venue, reception costs, etc.) during the Mission. Participants are responsible for their travel to and from China, the Chengdu-to-Shanghai flight, and their in-country lodging costs (at the government rate).
Applications are due January 13, 2012. Applications will be reviewed and decision communicated to the point of contact by January 20, 2012. For more information and an application, please contact Shane Danielson, Shane.Danielson(at)usda.gov or Lindsay Malecha, Lindsay.Malecha(at)fas.usda.gov.
Source: Maryland Department of Agriculture