For U.S. farmers and food producers, reaching new buyers helps build more resilient and sustainable operations. Opportunities to expand into new markets often lie outside of the U.S., as buyers look for the quality, innovation and reliability that American agriculture delivers every day. But expanding into international markets can be complex, especially for small- and medium-sized businesses, and that’s why State Regional Trade Groups and the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture partner to help.
Both NASDA and the SRTGs are cooperative agreement holders with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, working in partnership with USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service to strengthen agricultural trade and export opportunities. NASDA members often serve on SRTG boards, providing policy expertise, farmer perspectives in their states and regions, and further opportunities for collaboration to advance agricultural trade. While the organizations’ goals to expand trade opportunities, educate about U.S. agriculture practices and advance agriculture worldwide align are shared, their roles are distinct to their individual strengths and responsibilities.
NASDA represents the state departments of agriculture in all 50 states and four U.S. territories and helps open doors to new markets through building international relationships and creating opportunities for knowledge exchange. NASDA convenes agricultural leaders, facilitates trade missions and connects state and federal partners to align trade policy with market development priorities.
When NASDA leads a trade mission or hosts international trade pavilions, the goal is to create connections, educate about U.S. farms and businesses, learn about challenges and opportunities in trading with specific countries, share best practices, and foster trust that makes it easier for U.S. products to enter and grow in those markets. These conversations are often focused on policies and regulations related to trade. NASDA helps set the stage for long-term market access and agricultural cooperation.