 The Branded Program reimburses participants for up to half of
their international marketing and promotional expenses, including
the cost of foreign trade shows, international travel, advertising,
product demonstrations, point-of-sale materials, and package and
label modifications to meet foreign import requirements.
"Every food item we sell overseas creates demand for Illinois
crops and supports jobs here at home," Blagojevich said.
"International trade is vital to the well-being of our agriculture
industry, and these funds will help Illinois food companies build
name recognition in foreign markets and increase their export
sales."
Illinois is the fourth-largest exporter of agricultural
commodities in the United States and relies upon foreign trade for
nearly 40 percent of its agricultural income. Overall, Illinois
companies exported a record $48.7 billion in products in 2007, a 16
percent increase from 2006. Since 2002, Illinois exports have grown
by more than $23.13 billion. Illinois is now the fifth-largest
exporting state in the country, which is its highest ranking on
record.
The Food Export Association of the Midwest, a nonprofit
association of Midwestern state agricultural promotion agencies,
administers the Branded Program. Funding comes from the United
States Department of Agriculture's Foreign Agricultural Service
through its Market Access program.
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Program participants must fit the U.S. Small Business
Administration's definition of a "small company" and be incorporated
in the United States. In addition, at least half of their products
must be made with domestic ingredients. Agriculture cooperatives and
export agents that work on behalf of U.S. food companies also are
eligible for assistance, provided they meet program requirements.
Questions about Branded Program qualifications, eligible
reimbursements and the application process can be directed to Kim
Hamilton, Illinois Department of Agriculture marketing
representative, at 217-782-5809 or the
Food Export Association of the
Midwest at 312-334-9200. Additional information about the
program and a "pre-qualification" worksheet that can help companies
assess their eligibility for funding are available online at
www.brandedprogram.org.
Funds are for international marketing activities in the 2009
calendar year. About $6 million in reimbursements typically is
distributed to program participants in the Midwest every year.
[Text from file received from
the
Illinois Office of
Communication and Information] |
