FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, November 29, 2010

CONTACT:
Margaret Hart, Communications Coordinator
651.201.6131, Margaret.hart@state.mn.us

Learn about the hottest agricultural export markets at MDA workshop

Sessions will cover export trends and opportunities for agribusinesses

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota agribusinesses seeking export markets should consider putting South America or South Asia on their radar screen.  These markets will be the focus of an upcoming educational workshop offered by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) in conjunction with Food Export Midwest.  On December 9th, a Food Export expert on South America will spend the morning with company representatives covering the market opportunities in Brazil, Argentina, and Colombia.  In the afternoon session, the Foreign Agriculture Service’s ag attaché will examine export potential in Vietnam.

MDA International Marketing Manager Shannen Bornsen says while this is a unique pairing of target markets, the daylong workshop will provide insight into export markets the world is watching.

“These are the fastest-growing markets for agricultural products,” Bornsen said.  “We’ll cover everything from the political and business environments in these countries to consumer trends and what competition companies can expect to face.”

The workshop is scheduled Thursday, December 9, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the MDA offices, 625 North Robert Street in St. Paul.  Cost for the event is $50 including a light lunch.  For more information or to register, please contact Shannen Bornsen by December 6, at 651-201-6658 or shannen.bornsen@state.mn.us.

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