International Marketing

Items of Interest

Marketing has several programs in place to assist companies with their international marketing efforts.  Programs are designed to assist the new to export company, as well as the seasoned international business. 

Exporter Education: Marketing sponsors and co-sponsors educational seminars to assist companies on specific topics of interest.
  
Trade Leads:  Marketing can be thought of as a clearing house for trade leads, which come from various sources throughout the world.  Trade leads are received by Marketing from a wide variety of sources and are then passed on the relevant companies.  For example, if a trade lead is received from a company seeking to purchase peas and lentils, all Idaho pea and lentil companies will be notified of this opportunity.  We are then available to assist in following up with the potential buyers.

International Trade Offices:  In cooperation with the Idaho Department of Commerce, Marketing maintains three trade offices strategically located throughout the world.

Trade Shows:  Marketing promotes and organizes trade shows in targeted markets.   Trade shows are an excellent method of exploring international markets, providing product testing and tasting and the opportunity to meet one on one with potential buyers.  Most importantly, trade shows are a very cost effective method of entering a new market, or maintaining a presence in an existing market. 

Buying Missions: Buying missions provide Idaho companies another opportunity to promote their products by hosting foreign buyers.  The division works with the Idaho international trade offices, as well as the Foreign Agricultural Service to further connect Idaho producers with international companies.  Trade shows often result in a demand for foreign buyers to visit Idaho and to learn more about Idaho's diverse agricultural industry.

Trade Missions: Trade missions also provide companies with an opportunity to gather market information and work to establish working relationships with foreign buyers.  Marketing organizes Governor-led trade missions in conjunction with the Idaho Department of Commerce to key markets for Idaho companies. Governor Otter is an important asset to any Idaho company looking to gain access to important key government contacts. The Governor also facilitates meetings with private corporations which provide access to purchasing directors, research and design personnel and marketing teams.

Trade Policy: ISDA takes an active role in international trade policy issues and potential resolutions. In 1999 the Trade Issues Workgroup was established to address trade barriers for Idaho Agricultural products. From this workgroup came the Idaho Trade Issues Report, which lists trade issues that have been identified by industry as priority issues. Reducing trade barriers for Idaho products is a priority for the department.