The Maryland Department of Agriculture can help take your business to the world and grow in ways it never could domestically. In addition to advising on and researching foreign markets, we regularly organize trade missions that connect local Maryland producers and suppliers with partners around the world. We also have expertise in making trade show experiences successful and leveraging them to raise the international profile of our state. These shows are a cost-effective way to reach foreign industry leaders and gain wide exposure. Accessing overseas markets is an effective tool in overcoming weak domestic demand and keeping your business profitable.

The International Marketing Program helps overcome the technical issues in exporting through access to experts in overseas shipping. In addition to navigating the normal difficulties of global trade (such as language, business practices, transfer of funds and insurance, adherence to various import restrictions and labeling requirements), our office can help simplify more uncommon challenges Maryland producers face abroad. 

We work closely with USDA staff at embassies worldwide and with other organizations to facilitate exports to more than 35 countries. Through the Southern U.S. Trade Association (SUSTA) and the US Livestock & Genetics Export Association, MDA obtains funding to manage international trade missions and reverse trade missions bringing foreign buyers to visit Maryland farms. The SUSTA’s Market Access Program (MAP) allocates funding directly to Maryland companies for their own export promotions.
We offer guidance on the complexities of international trade through our own resources and those of other state agencies, relationships with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Foreign Agricultural Service, and connections with the U.S. Department of Commerce and the U.S. Export Assistance Center:

• Identifying and evaluating export opportunities around the world
• Developing trade leads and strategies in existing and new markets
• Making introductions to overseas buyers, importers, and distributors
• Organizing trade missions and shows abroad to promote Maryland products
• Providing access to research and programs that foster exports
• Conducting outreach meetings, training seminars, and informational workshops
• Furnishing technical export assistance