Nevada food, agriculture companies invited to join trade mission

The Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA) is recruiting companies from across the state to join a trade mission to Vietnam, April 4-8. Targeted companies include those selling food service products, natural / health products, produce and retail products. Companies do not need any exporting experience to be considered for participation.

The trade mission includes stops in Hanoi and Ho Chi Min City, where participants will meet one-on-one with pre-qualified buyers, importers and distributors interested in sourcing high quality U.S. food and agricultural products. In addition to being invited to showcase their products, participants will benefit from market briefings, facility tours, trade receptions and other events.

The trade mission will be led by the Western United States Agricultural Trade Association (WUSATA), a non-profit trade association that offers training, matching funds and market research to help food and agricultural companies in Nevada and 12 other western states export their products. The secretaries, directors and commissioners of agriculture in these 13 states – including NDA Director Jim Barbee – are participating in the mission.

“Dairy products are Nevada’s largest export to Vietnam with more than $43 million in export sales in 2015,” Barbee said. “With the Trans-Pacific Partnership looming, this is a huge market with vast possibilities for our food and agriculture companies, providing opportunities for Nevada businesses to continue to expand in Southeast Asia.”

Space is limited; to be considered, Nevada companies must register by March 5 at goo.gl/e1O4li. Those who are selected must pay a $750 registration fee to WUSATA, as well as their own international airfare. Once in Vietnam, WUSATA will cover the cost of ground transportation, lodging and in-country travel.

To learn more, please contact NDA International Marketing Coordinator Jeff Sutich at (775) 353-3627 or jssutich@agri.nv.gov.

The Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA) promotes a business climate that is fair, economically viable and encourages a sustainable environment that serves to protect food, fiber and human health and safety through effective service and education. NDA includes the divisions of Administration, Animal Industry, Consumer Equitability, Food and Nutrition and Plant Industry.

Western United States Agriculture Trade Association (WUSATA) is funded by the Market Access Program (MAP) to tip the competitive balance in favor of American food and agriculture products by creating access to an ever-growing number of international buyers. WUSATA continually elevates and evolves its services to meet the needs of today’s Western U.S. agricultural producers.