Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Director Jamie Clover Adams is leading a trade mission to China November 9-14, 2016, focusing on connecting Michigan food and agriculture companies with Chinese buyers. The delegation will be making stops in Shanghai and Shenzhen. The mission will include one-on-one meetings, retail tours, and briefings with U.S. Department of Agriculture officials.
There are a limited number of spaces for companies to accompany Director Clover Adams on this delegation. The application deadline to participate in the trade mission is August 12, 2016 and the cost is $1,000. This fee covers pre-arranged meetings with buyers, company information translated to Chinese, and in country ground transportation. Companies are responsible for their own flight, hotel and incidental costs.
“As the third largest export market for Michigan food and agriculture products, China’s growing middle class provides a great opportunity for Michigan companies,” said Clover Adams. “Traveling to China provides companies a firsthand look at market potential and the ability to meet face to face with key buyers to cultivate key relationships critical for international business development. In addition, companies will be able to build off the strong rapport Governor Snyder has built in China – visiting six times in six years.”
In 2015, U.S. food and agriculture exports totaled more than $20.2 billion according to the USDA, with a record $71 million coming from Michigan. U.S. agriculture exports to China have grown more than 200 percent over the last decade.
Contact Jamie Zmitko-Somers, International Marketing Program manager at 517-284-3628 orzmitkoj@michigan.gov. For more information, visit the International Marketing Program website atwww.michigan.gov/agexport.