On Thursday, USDA announced the award of $812,786, from the agency’s Market Access Program. This is in addition to the $1,127,085 OTA received from USDA’s Agricultural Trade Promotion program earlier in the year, to be used over the course of three years. OTA also received funding for two Technical Assistance for Specialty Crops (TASC) programs: $268,400, to be used over two years, will develop an equivalency application template for other countries to use when applying for organic equivalency with the U.S.; and $687,000, to be used over three years, is intended to fund a project revolving around changing regulations in the European Union and possible impacts on U.S. organic exporters.
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OTA intends to use the Market Access Program funds to attend shows throughout the world next year, building on previous successes and looking to participate for the first time in “exciting and potentially significant new markets,” according to the release. OTA has been a cooperator in USDA’s Market Access Program for almost 20 years, investing in the promotion of American organic agricultural products in global markets. This past year alone, OTA has led 11 international events in seven different countries. One highlight: At the Anuga trade show in Cologne, Germany, OTA hosted an Organic Pavilion showcasing organic products from 12 American organic companies, nine of which were new to the show. The 12 companies estimated that they generated over $13 million in new sales at the show.Alexis Carey, Manager of International Trade at OTA, said in the release: “The significant export promotion funding from USDA is allowing the Organic Trade Association to both explore new markets and dig in deeper where we have seen success in recent years. Right now, U.S. companies are uniquely situated to expand and diversify the global organic marketplace, and we want to enable them to take advantage of the numerous opportunities available.”
For more information on global market opportunities through OTA, gohere.
