Using a grant of more than $900,000, the Organic Trade Association (OTA) is looking to invest in global markets to promote U.S. organic products.
In 2021, the USDA awarded OTA with $906,379 in Market Access Program (MAP) funds to support the association’s international promotion efforts, the largest MAP award OTA has received to date.
“OTA is proud to continue to represent the face of U.S. organic abroad as a core partner of USDA’s Market Access Program,” OTA Associate Director of International Trade Alexis Carey said in a news release. “Just as venues are reopening their doors to in-person events, the global economy is reopening to more robust trade opportunities. There’s an overwhelming global demand for organic products, and OTA looks forward to helping connect U.S.-based producers with customers worldwide.”
Trade data from the USDA reveals U.S. organic exports nearly doubled between 2011 and 2019, increasing from just over $400 million in 2011 to nearly $700 million in 2019, according to the release.
Canada and Mexico are the largest export partners for the U.S., with Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, the European Union and United Arab Emirates all making the top 10 list for U.S. organic exports.
The OTA will leverage MAP funding to bring U.S. organic companies to international markets where demand is strong, according to the release.
Key promotional events for U.S. organics in 2022 include:
- Biofach in Nuremburg, Germany. The world’s largest trade fair for organic food had been planned for Feb. 15-18, but it may be pushed back until July, OTA officials said;
- Food and Hotel Asia in Singapore. A new trade show for OTA that targets buyers from across Asian markets, taking place Sept. 5-8; and
- SIAL in Paris, France. As the largest food and beverage event in the world, SIAL Paris provides unparalleled opportunities to connect key retailers and distributors from around the world. This mega-event will take place Oct. 15-19.
