SECRETARY KAWAMURA ENCOURAGES FARMER PARTICIPATION IN SPECIALTY CROP EXPORT TRAINING PROGRAM

Application deadline is February 26, 2010

SACRAMENTO, February 1, 2010 — California’s specialty crop farmers can benefit from an export training program designed to assist companies expand sales overseas. The California Agricultural Export Training Program, facilitated by the California Centers for International Trade Development, will hold six training sessions over the course of three months beginning in March 2010.  Classes will be held in Fresno, Sacramento and San Luis Obispo.

“Exports are a vital component of our farm economy,” said Food and Agriculture Secretary A.G. Kawamura. “With more than $10 billion in exports, California’s international markets support jobs, farm families and rural communities.”

The California Export Training Program is funded by the 2009 California Specialty Crop Block Grant Program to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops.  The training program benefits producers, processors and markets of California grown specialty crop products and processed foods. The six training sessions cover of variety of topics including: international marketing; logistics and documentation, negotiation and cultural aspects; financing; and foreign regulations. The program is designed for new-to-export companies.

Further information, including online registration, about the training program can be found at www.fresnocitd.org  or by contacting Frank Nunez, California Centers for International Trade Development at (888) 638-7888.

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