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 There is no time like the present to export
food and agriculture products. Although the food and agriculture industry is facing many of the challenges posed by globalization, many market opportunities
do exist. The declining dollar, the increase in disposable incomes within developing countries - provide an unprecedented opportunity for California food processors and growers to sell their products in international markets.
Program size is limited. Participation in the CalAgX program will be
based upon how closely the applicant meets the criteria for participation listed
below.
Each of the 6 sessions has been designed to meet the
learning needs of new-to-export or non-exporting food and agriculture companies. Training will be conducted in select
locations in Northern, Central and Southern California. Between sessions, participants will have an
opportunity to work on various assignments, consult with industry experts to
reinforce the information learned in the class and take advantage of
promotional activities designed to assist participants in becoming export
ready. As part of the overall program,
you will receive customized International Market Research and/or an
International Marketing Plan to aid your company in establishing export goals,
identifying potential markets for international expansion, and suggested
implementation strategy for market-entry.
Session Descriptions
Introduction to Food and Agriculture Exports
This session will
provide a high-level overview of the major issues confronting today’s food and
agriculture exports – including issues of evaluating product potential,
understanding documentation, getting paid and working with foreign buyers.
Participants will also be introduced to the state and federal resources that
may help to expedite or subsidize their international expansion.
Logistics and Documentation
This session will
help participants learn about the role of freight forwarders and custom
brokers, just-in-time delivery and special labeling/certification requirements.
In addition, participants will understand the scheduling of air, ocean and rail
freight as well as determining customs classifications, tariff rates and other
logistic barriers to product movement.
Banking and Finance
Financial logistics
of international trade can be cumbersome, but knowledge and a sound plan will
increase your chance of success. This session will help participants learn to
develop an international quote, manage various payment options and how to
finance your export transactions. In addition, this session will cover how to
deal with foreign risk, offer payment terms to customers and the role of
foreign currency in transactions.
Foreign Regulations and Legal Aspects
Every trade agreement
from GATT to CAFTA presents opportunities as well as barriers. In this session,
participants will learn about current technical standards, health/safety issues
and environmental protection concerns. This session will also give a high-level
overview of the legal boundaries in using licensing agreements, protecting
intellectual property rights and discuss ways to recognize legal options in
contract and sales negotiations.
International Marketing and Market Planning
In this session,
participants will review the basic steps of writing an international business
and marketing plan. This session will also include strategies to determine
market selection and evaluate market entry strategies. Participants will work with industry experts,
other participants and business students to develop appropriate strategies.
Negotiation and Cultural Aspects
This session will
help you learn to better understand the cultural ‘do’s & don’ts’ in other
countries while also enhancing your ability to negotiate your export deal. Experts will instruct participants on how to
manage relationship builders such as gift-giving and receiving protocol,
customs and etiquette, the bargaining process, and how to use new sales and
contract techniques in dealing with the foreign customer.
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