The Export Plan
This site leads you through the process of developing an export plan for your company and the specific product you want to export. It is divided into various sections which provide you with a series of answers and questions and explains to you why they are important. The goal is to help you determine the type of information you need to gather in order to formulate your plan.
Foreign Market Conditions
U.S. exporters need current information on foreign market conditions by product and industry sector to prepare export marketing plans or to make key product decisions. They also require trade and price information to evaluate trends in overseas markets and to develop competitive pricing strategies. Follow this link to a number of resources to obtain up-to-date market and industry information.
U.S. Export Sales Reports
Weekly export sales reports serve as a timely early warning system on the possible impact of agricultural obligations on U.S. supplies and prices. The data can be used, for example, to assess the level of export demand, to determine where markets exist, and to assess the relative position of different commodities in those markets.
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EXPORT ASSISTANCE
Agribusiness Trade Assistance
The Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) and other government agencies offer a number of programs that help U.S. agricultural exporters finance the marketing and distribution of their products abroad and provide for general assistance to agricultural trade associations. A more detailed explanation of these services, along with links to the various programs is found here.
FAS Partners and Trade Leads
The FAS receives trade leads directly from its overseas offices. Follow this link to search these leads by either commodity/country or do a general text search.
U.S. Trade Reports
This link will take you to the FAS U.S. Trade Internet System. The System features United States Exports, Imports and Re-Exports of Agricultural, Fish, Forest and Textile Products around the World. Reports can be run according to either commodity group or two to ten digit codes.
Attaché Reports
Use this FAS site to view attaché reports by date and commodities/country. Learn about agriculture in Denmark or Argentina's grain exports for a particular month. You choose!
USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) Export Information
Also known as the Export Library, this section includes export requirements for meat and poultry products, export requirements for egg products, export related notices and directives, and eligible U.S. establishments.
Export Working Capital Program (EWCP)
This program was designed to provide short-term working capital to exporters. The EWCP is a combined effort of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Export-Import Bank to provide export financing to small businesses when that financing is not otherwise available on reasonable terms. The program encourages lenders to offer export working capital loans by guaranteeing repayment of up to $1 million or 90 percent of a loan amount, whichever is less.
Iowa Product Directory
The Iowa International Office of the Iowa Department of Economic Development IDED maintains a database of Iowa companies that are currently, or interested in, exporting; companies who provide services to support those exporters; and Iowa food producers, processors and manufacturers. The database is used as a resource within IDED to respond to trade leads and inquiries and also to provide the names of service firms to companies seeking specific assistance, whether it be international banking, freight forwarding, international legal advice, etc.
Trade Mission OnLine (TM OnLine)
TM OnLine is a database of U.S. small businesses that seek to export their products. To be included in this database, a U.S. small business must first register its company and export information. TM OnLine is also a search engine for foreign firms and U.S. businesses seeking a U.S. business partner or supplier, through such means as direct product sales, licensing or franchising agreements. TM OnLine will also be used by the SBA to recruit for foreign trade missions and to provide trade leads to registered companies.
Bureau of Industry and Security
Formerly the Bureau of Export Administration, the Bureau of Industry and Security have offices around the U.S. available to counsel you on your obligations under the Export Administration Regulations and assist in determining your license requirements. This Website also offers a FAQ section, general information fact sheets, anti-boycott compliance contact information, denied persons list and information on how to report possible violations.
Glossary of Export Terms
FAS online glossary of common exporting terms.
International Trade Terms
International Trade Data System glossary of international trade terms.
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INTERNATIONAL TRADE ORGANIZATIONS AND AGREEMENTS
World Trade Organization
The WTO functions as the principal international body concerned with multilateral negotiations on the reduction of trade barriers and other measures that distort competition. The WTO also serves as a platform for countries to raise their concerns regarding the trade policies of their trading partners. The basic aim of the WTO is to liberalize world trade and place it on a secure basis, thereby contributing to economic growth and development.
WTO Fact Sheet and Agricultural Trade Provisions
During the Uruguay Round negotiations, countries agreed to the long-term objective to establish a more fair and market-oriented agricultural trading system. Countries also agreed to specific disciplines for agriculture in the areas of market access, export subsidies, and internal support.
Free Trade Agreements (FTAs)
FTAs can help your company to enter and compete more easily in the global marketplace. Trade agreements help level the international playing field and encourage foreign governments to adopt open and transparent rulemaking procedures, as well as non-discriminatory laws and regulations. FTAs help strengthen business climates by eliminating or reducing tariff rates, improving intellectual property regulations, opening government procurement opportunities, easing investment rules, and much more.
North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)
In January 1994, Canada, the United States and Mexico launched the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and formed the world's largest free trade area. The Agreement has brought economic growth and rising standards of living for people in all three countries. In addition, NAFTA has established a strong foundation for future growth and has set a valuable example of the benefits of trade liberalization.
FAQ's on NAFTA
NAFTA Certificate of Origin Instructions
Benefits of NAFTA
Trade Promotion Authority (TPA)
Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) puts the United States in a strong position to lead the way in completing major new trade agreements that advances the global interests of U.S. agriculture.
Bi-lateral Trade Agreements Organized by Country
This web link lists final agreements between the United States and individual countries. It does not include information or updates on ongoing or proposed negotiations. Please see the trade news page for these updates.
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INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
Europa-The European Union On-Line
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
International Monetary Fund
Office International des Epizooties
Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development
DATA SOURCES
Eurostat
FAOSTAT Agriculture Data
FAPRI U.S. and World Agricultural Outlook 2001
National Agricultural Statistics Service (USDA-NASS)
OECD Statistics
Statistics Canada
USDA Economic Research Data
U.S. Trade Internet System
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FREIGHT FORWARDING
Agricultural Export Transportation Handbook
Is your company ready to take advantage of these export opportunities? Have you developed an international marketing plan? Do you know which foreign market(s) hold the greatest potential and risk for your product(s) and have you located foreign customers? These are a few of the questions your company needs to answer before shipping product(s) overseas. This publication provides you with a list of resources to help you answer these questions. But mainly, this handbook looks at the export transportation portion of the export process. That is, how to physically move agricultural products overseas. The focus of this publication is on shipping high-value or value-added agricultural products. (Limited information on shipping bulk commodities has been included.)
Iowa Freight Forwarding Service Providers
Air freight, shipping, rail freight, trucking, specialized transportation, customs brokers, international trade, export documentation and licensing, letter of credit... all freight forwarding services are located here. Find the company, which satisfies your needs. Companies are listed alphabetically by state and city.
Directory of Freight Forwarders Serving Agriculture
Use this database to search location, product being shipped, destination and services offered.
Directory of Freight Forwarding Services
Search this directory by company name, location, services required or keyword to find a freight forwarder anywhere in the U.S.
Ocean Freight Rate Bulletin
The Ocean Rate Bulletin is a quarterly (previously monthly) publication which tracks high-value, containerized agricultural shipments to various Asian markets and some European markets. The publication provides a side-by-side comparison of the rates and services provided for each commodity exported during the preceding quarter. The following commodities are tracked by the Bulletin: apples, cotton, grapes, grapefruit, lemons, pears, potatoes, oranges, almonds, raisins, pistachios, frozen beef, frozen poultry, lettuce, animal feed, wine, lentils, onions and soybeans.
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COUNTRY INFORMATION
CIA World Factbook
For those interested in a general background of a country, the CIA publishes its annual World Fact book. Information includes a brief introduction to the country, its geography, people, government, economy, communications, transportation, military and transnational issues. This is a great source for those unfamiliar with specific countries.
U.S. Department of Commerce Trade Information Center
Use this Site to gather country-specific information related to commercial guides, industry information, government regulations, business etiquette and customs.
Foreign Embassies of Washington D.C.
Includes Embassy addresses and web page links to Foreign Embassies located in Washington D.C. The Electronic Embassy provides information on each of the embassies in Washington D.C. with links to Web-based resources.
U.S. Embassies and Consulates Worldwide
Follow this link to the consular sections at these U.S. Embassy and Consulate home pages.
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IOWA
Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship
Iowa Department of Economic Development - International Office
The International Office of the Iowa Department of Economic Development helps strengthen Iowa's presence in the international marketplace. Its offices and representatives throughout the world are working together to promote Iowa products and services, assist international investment in Iowa, and educate Iowa businesses on exporting and doing business in other countries.
Iowa Agricultural Organizations
Mid-America International Agri-Trade Council (MIATCO)
MIATCO, or the Mid-America International Agri-Trade Council, is a non-profit organization that promotes the export of food and agricultural products from the Midwestern region of the United States. The organization has been helping exporters of Midwestern food and agricultural products sell their products overseas since 1969, when it was first created as a cooperative effort between 12 Midwestern state agricultural promotion agencies and the United States Department of Agriculture's Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS).
Iowa Fact Sheet
The Economic Research Service (ERS) is the main source of economic information and research from the USDA. Located in Washington, DC, with approximately 450 employees, ERS research informs and enhances public and private decision making on economic and policy issues related to agriculture, food, natural resources, and rural development.
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BIOTECHNOLOGY
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Several USDA agencies are involved in regulating and monitoring the use of biotechnology for agriculture. It would be beneficial to become familiar with the agencies and their acronyms as you will be seeing and using them often. They include the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), the Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS), the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS), the Agricultural Research Service (ARS), the Economic Research Service (ERS), the Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES), the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) and the Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA).
The United States Food and Drug Administration - Biotechnology
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INTERNATIONAL LIVESTOCK, POULTRY & MEAT REPORTS
International Livestock and Grain Market News
The primary function of the Livestock and Grain Market News Branch of the Livestock and Seed Division (LSD) is to compile and disseminate information that will aid producers, consumers, and distributors in the sale and purchase of livestock, meat, grain, and their related products nationally and internationally.
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INTERNATIONAL MEAT & LIVESTOCK SITES
United States
• National Cattlemen's Beef Association
• National Pork Board
• National Pork Producers Council
• USA Poultry and Egg Export Council
• U.S. Meat Export Federation
Australia
• Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry Australia
• ABARE
• AQIS
• Aginfo Worldwide Meat Sites
• Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA)
Canada
• Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
• Canada Beef Export Federation
• Canada Pork International
• Canadian Cattlemen's Association
• Canadian Food Trade Alliance
• Canadian Meat Council
• Canadian Pork Council
• Weekly Livestock Price Review
European Union
• Europa-The European Union On-Line
• EuroStat
Denmark
• Danske Slagterier--Danish Bacon and Meat Council
France
• MHR Viandes
• Ofival (French language; English available)
Great Britain
• Meat and Livestock Commission
Ireland
• Central Statistics Office, Agriculture Statistics
• The Livestock and Meat Commission for Northern Ireland
Netherlands
• The Dutch Meat Board (Dutch language)
• Product Boards for Livestock, Meat, and Eggs (Dutch language)
Japan
• Agriculture and Livestock Industries Corporation
New Zealand
• Beef New Zealand
• Meat New Zealand
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GRAIN SITES
Corn
• Iowa Corn Promotion Board & Corn Growers Association
• Iowa Renewable Fuels Association — brings together Iowa ethanol and biodiesel producers to foster the development and growth of the state's renewable fuels industry through education, promotion and infrastructure development. IRFA is committed to making Iowa a leader in producing renewable fuel, high quality livestock feed, and other value-added products.
• The National Corn Growers Association
• The American Corn Growers Association
Soybean
• Iowa Soybean Association — Soybean Farmer focused - Expanding profit opportunities while promoting environmentally sensible production.
• American Soybean Association
• United Soybean Board
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ORGANIC MARKETING & EXPORT INFORMATION
Organic Farming and Research
Link provides an on-line community for organic farming and food. Anyone interested in organic food and its production will find this site valuable. Their aim is to provide impartial information of high quality, recognizing worldwide interest in organic farming and related sustainability issues. There are a number of free visitor areas on this web site; however most content is only available by membership.
Organic Trade Association (OTA)
The Organic Trade Association (OTA) is a membership-based business association representing the organic industry in Canada, the United States and Mexico. Members include growers, shippers, processors, certifiers, farmer associations, brokers, manufacturers, consultants, distributors and retailers. The Association works to promote organic products in the marketplace and to protect the integrity of organic standards.
Organic Industry News
This Web site allows organic industry organizations to access the latest industry news and information. You can also search for suppliers and customers in their directory, participate in on-line discussions, identify, compare and monitor organic products and services, and promote your products and services online.
International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM)
IFOAM represents the worldwide movement of organic agriculture and provides a platform for global exchange and cooperation. The federation's main function is coordinating the network of the organic movement around the world. IFOAM is a democratic federation and grass roots oriented. Major activities within IFOAM are carried out by their World Board of Directors, various committees and task forces.
Organic Farming Research Foundation
The Organic Farming Research Foundation is a non-profit foundation founded to sponsor research related to organic farming practices, to disseminate research results to organic farmers and to growers interested in adopting organic production systems and to educate the public and decision-makers about organic farming issues.
Organic Crop Improvement Association (OCIA)
OCIA is an accredited world leader in the organic movement, certifying thousands of farmers and processors in North, Central and South America and Asia. OCIA chapters are the grass roots source of crop improvement information, as farmer members meet regularly to share challenges and solutions in all aspects of farming. To ensure market access for OCIA certified products around the world, OCIA is an accredited member of the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM) and is accredited to ISO-65 by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
USDA's Organic Program
The National Organic Program
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