International Marketing

With 95 percent of the world's population living outside of the U.S., companies of all sizes can find sales opportunities abroad.  You do not need to be a mega-conglomerate to succeed in international markets.  All you need are the three "Ts":  Time to devote to building relationships and understanding regulations, the Tenacity to follow up with contacts multiple times before the first sale, and Tolerance for differing business protocols and cultural expectations.

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture works to discover and develop potential markets for Minnesota's farmers and agribusinesses.  We provide assistance to individuals and businesses in evaluating foreign market entry methods, understanding and obtaining regulatory requirements, finding qualified buyers, understanding logistics, and locating financing options and market promotion funds.

MDA also works closely with the Food Export Association for the Midwest USA, a private, non-profit association that offers services to help companies promote their Midwestern food and agricultural products in foreign markets. MDA is one of 12 State Departments of Agriculture or agencies working with the Food Export Association. The strong relationship between MDA and the Food Export Association is one reason why Minnesota continues to be a national leader in the agri-trade industry.

Our services are open to Minnesota producers, processors, and packagers of all sizes and experience levels.

For beginning exporters, MDA provides:

• A first-point source for "how to export" questions
• Assistance with developing an international marketing plan
• Educational seminars
• Ideas for additional funding to grow your export business

For experienced exporters, MDA provides:

• Trade mission coordination in key international markets
• Tradeshow assistance at select shows
• Assistance with documentation requirements and trade regulations
• A link to in-market experts that provide marketing and regulatory assistance
• Resources for market research
• Ideas for additional funding to grow your export business

Domestic & International Marketing Calendar

Tradeshow Support:

• Minnesota Pavilion Space Application (PDF: 197 KB / 1 page)
• Tradeshow Support Program
  • Tradeshow Support Program Application for Reimbursement (PDF: 196 KB / 1 page)

• Exporting Agriculture - Market Profiles
• Exporting Agriculture - Commodity Profiles
  • Why the Export Market is Important for U.S. Beef (PDF: 28 KB / 1 page)
  • Why the Export Market is Important for U.S. Corn (PDF: 181 KB / 1 page) 
  • Why the Export Market is Important for U.S. Dairy (PDF: 26 KB / 1 page)
  • Why the Export Market is Important for U.S. Pork (PDF: 174 KB / 1 page) 
  • Why the Export Market is Important for U.S. Soybeans (PDF: 179 KB / 1 page) 
  • Why the Export Market is Important for U.S. Turkey (PDF: 25 KB / 1 page)
  • Why the Export Market is Important for U.S. Wheat (PDF: 28 KB / 1 page)  
• Economic Impact Reports
  • Economic Impact of Minnesota Agricultural Exports to China (PDF: 242 KB / 31 pages)
  • Economic Impact of Minnesota Agricultural Exports to Cuba  (PDF: 392 KB / 27 pages)
• FAQS About International Trade
• International Trade Links

MDA Market Leader (Electronic Newsletter)

• 5-16-2013 Sam Adams Raises a Glass to Small Food Business, New Regulations on Dairy Exports to China, Industry Feature: Angie's, Which Trade Shows Do You Want to Visit in 2013-2014, Trade Leads, Job Seekers, Looking Ahead
• Market Leader Newsletter Archive

MDA Contact

Christina Connelly, International Trade Program Manager
Christina.Connelly@state.mn.us, 651-201-6220

Brian Erickson, Agricultural Marketing Specialist, Sr.
Brian.J.Erickson@state.mn.us, 651-201-6539

Su Ye, Program Leader, Market Research
Su.Ye@state.mn.us, 651-201-6384