USDA Allocates Funds To Promote Agricultural Products Overseas

Jan 27, 2010

U.S. Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack yesterday announced the allocation of $234.5 million to 70 U.S. trade organizations to help promote American food and agricultural products overseas, including beef and beef by-products. The funding was allocated under the Market Access Program (MAP) and the Foreign Market Development Cooperator Program (FMDCP), both administered by USDA's Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS).
Vilsack said in today’s aggressive international markets the U.S. must provide its exporters with the resources needed to be competitive overseas. Funding provided through MAP and FMDCP is used, in part, for market research, consumer promotions for retail, indentifying new markets or uses for U.S. products and modifying restrictive regulatory codes and standards in foreign markets.
"When you consider the current global financial crisis, increasing production in key competitor countries and aggressive use of export promotion tools by our competitors, USDA's market development programs are more important than ever," said Vilsack.

Source : Kansas Livestock Association

Video: Early Fall Colors | Scenic Ontario Road Trip!

All adventures must come to an end, but not without one more journey! Join The Wandering Shepherds as we say farewell to our cozy Calabogie cottage and take the scenic road trip home to Ewetopia Farms. Our first stop was a breathtaking hydroelectric generating station, framed by cliffs, rushing water, and brilliant fall leaves that seemed to have changed overnight. From there, we meandered along winding backroads through lakes and hills, soaking in the spectacular autumn scenery. This year, the colors seemed to arrive earlier than usual—perhaps due to the summer’s drought? Whatever the reason, it was an unforgettable display of Ontario’s fall beauty. Finally, our holiday drew to a close as we pulled back into Ewetopia Farms, ready to return to the sheep and our daily vlogs. But this trip reminded us how important it is to pause, explore, and appreciate the simple beauty around us.