Want to Develop International Markets for Your Products?

The U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) is accepting applications for fiscal year 2009 from U.S. companies interested in receiving matching funds to promote their branded U.S. meat products in international markets through USDA's Branded Products Promotion Program, the red meat portion of which is administered through USMEF.

Companies participating in the Branded Products Promotion Program use their own money, leveraged with matching funds from the program, to develop export markets for U.S. red meat exports. Participation in the program is limited to small companies as defined by the Small Business Administration - eligible companies must have 500 or fewer employees, or be a producer cooperative or an association.

Funds from this program can help companies conduct a variety of activities in international markets, including:

• attend trade fairs and exhibits, including U.S. domestic trade shows with large international attendance;
• offset costs of promotional materials used in connection with a promotion;
• help pay for costs of retail promotions, including fees for chefs, costumes, signs, displays and fees for demonstration staff;
• help cover the cost of seminars, including interpreters, seminar materials, set-up costs/room rental, slides and production; and
• translate educational materials such as company brochures and product sheets.
  
  Promotions funded under this program must be conducted between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, 2009. Applications will be accepted as long as funds are available.
  
  For more information about the program or to apply, go to www.usmef.org/TradeLibrary/BrandedPrograms.asp.
  
  Reprinted from MeatingPlace.com