Source:  Rita Jane Gabbett, MEATINGPLACE.COM, 12/14/10

USDA's Branded Products Promotion Program - the red meat portion of which is administered through the U.S. Meat Export Federation – is now accepting applications for 2011 program funds.

Companies participating in the USMEF Branded Products Promotion Program use their own money, leveraged with matching funds from the branded products program, to develop export markets for their red meat products.

The 16 companies involved in the 2009 program exported pork and beef to markets that included Mexico, Japan and Europe and reported sales of almost $23.7 million. In doing so, the companies exceeded their 2008 sales by nearly $2.5 million despite a very tough economic climate, according to USMEF. Final numbers for 2010 are not yet available.

Participation in the program is limited to small companies as defined by the Small Business Administration, i.e., eligible companies with 500 or fewer employees.  Producer cooperatives and associations also are eligible.

Funds from this program can help companies conduct a variety of activities in international markets, including:
• Attend trade fairs and exhibits, including U.S. domestic trade shows with large international attendance
• Offset costs of promotional materials used in connection with a promotion  
• Help pay for costs of retail promotions, including fees for chefs, costumes, signs, displays and demonstration staff
• Help cover the cost of seminars, including interpreters, seminar materials, set-up costs/room rental, slides and production
• Translate educational materials such as company brochures and product sheets
• Conduct retail and HRI promotions

Promotions funded under this program must be conducted between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, 2011. Applications will be accepted as long as funds are available.

Companies interested in the program should contact Barbara Watson at the USMEF Denver office - (303) 623-6328 - or by e-mail at bwatson@usmef.org for guidelines and proposal format.

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