The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) is inviting agricultural companies to register for a focused trade mission to Colombia. The trade mission will take place from July 11-15, with applications closing on April 22nd.
Colombia has a growing livestock industry, which is in turn seeing a rise in demand for U.S. animal feed products.
Economic Development Consultant at DATCP, Enrique Gandara said "With the U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement in place, Colombia is a desirable destination for Midwest feed, feed ingredient, livestock genetics and agricultural equipment exports. The Midwest is strategically located to be a source for Colombia's livestock industry, one of the largest in South America."
The trade mission will comprise of 1 to 1 meeting with qualified buyers, a tour of a local feed mill hosted by the Association of Feed Producers of Colombia and visits to AGROEXPO BOGOTA 2013. An translator will be there throughout the mission, and on-site assistance will be available at buyer-seller meetings and tours.
Products Colombian buyers are seeking to buy are value-added feeds, pre-mixed feeds, antimicrobials, probiotics, milk replacers and feed supplements. Companies travelling with the trade mission will receive a pre-mission custom research package, their company profile included on the trade mission brochure, translation in Spanish of their company profile and products, along with the writing and sending of a follow-up letter to all contacts made on the trip.
"Last year, nearly 250 Colombian ranchers came to Wisconsin during World Dairy Expo to learn more about our agricultural industry and purchase products. Our connection with the Colombian marketplace continues to grow," Gandara said. "By participating in this trade mission, Midwest companies will have the opportunity to connect with key buyers and influential government leaders to increase their export sales."
Last year, US agricultural exports to Colombia totaled greater than $1 billion. Under the U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement, Colombia will provide immediate duty-free access for various animal feeds and will phase out tariffs over 12 years.
Space is limited for the trade mission and companies that are interested in joining are urged to register as soon as possible.
To register, visit foodexport.org. The final registration deadline is April 22. The cost to attend is $600, and participants are also responsible for their travel and incidental costs. Participants may be eligible for up to 50% reimbursement on select travel expenses, freight costs for samples and other costs through the Branded Program.
