News Release - NR07-16 - July 16, 2007

HONOLULU —  Hawai`i agricultural and food product companies looking to break into foreign markets will be able to obtain information and advice through two Branded Program Seminars being sponsored by the Hawai`i Department of Agriculture (HDOA) and the Western U.S. Agricultural Trade Association (WUSATA) in mid-August.

The seminars on Maui and in Hilo will feature a WUSATA representative from the mainland, who will provide information about federally funded matching funds programs for food and agricultural exporters offered through the Market Access Program.  Under the program, eligible participants may receive financial assistance for trade shows, advertising, in-store demonstrations and other expenses to promote their products in foreign countries.

The seminars are scheduled for:

Kahului, Maui - August 15, at the HDOA office, 635 Mua Street

Hilo, Hawai`i – August 16, at the HDOA office, 16E Lanikaula Street

Both sessions will be held from 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. 

Cost is $40 per participant.  Registration deadline is July 31, 2007.

For more information or to receive a registration form, contact either Sharon Hurd in Honolulu at (808) 973-9465, email Sharon.k.hurd@hawaii.gov or Ann Buczkowski at (360) 693-3373, email ann@wusata.org

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