US funding still available to help meat companies target export markets

The US Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Branded Products Promotion Programme - administered through the US Meat Export Federation (USMEF) - still has funds available for the current year to help small US meat companies gain entry to targeted export markets and establish their branded products.

Companies use their own money, leveraged with matching funds from the programme, to develop export markets for US beef, pork or lamb exports.

The companies involved in this year's programme are exporting pork and beef to markets that include Mexico, Japan and Europe.

As a requirement of the USDA Branded Products Promotion Programme, all participants must set measurable performance goals based on export sales to targeted markets.

The companies also must report on the number of business contacts made at trade shows and sales of new products launched with USDA Market Access Programme funds.

Branded funds can be used to offset costs of point-of-sale materials used in connection with an international promotion or trade show, and help pay for costs of international retail promotions.