ivi o isi -r/\. rsj /\ 338.13 A7mva Jan/Feb 2003 Value Adde 3 MONTANA STATE LIBRARY 3 0864 1001 9176 9 P \A/ Q !▼£ T T E R Montana Department ot Agnculture January - February 2003 If one advances in the direction of his dreams, one will meet with success unexpected in common hours. -Henry David Thoreau- « Montana Department of Agriculture ^ Showcases Montana Agricultural xport Opportunities Whether you are expanding in existing markets, looking for new markets or would like to test export markets, 2003 has a busy schedule of trade shows and other export opportunides coordinated by the Montana Department of Agriculture and the Western United States Agricultural Trade Associations. Montana will be taking the lead on activities in Canada and lapan. For more information on international trade shows, the marketing opportunities, and Export Readiness Seminars, contact Sarah Goan at 406-444-2402 or email agr@state.mt.us. Sixtn annual Made In Montana Food ^ and Gift Show Accepting Buyer Registrations A wide varier\- of Made In Montana tood and gift products from across die state will be assembled agam at the highly successful Made In Montana Food and Gift Show, scheduled for April 2003 in Great Falls, Mont. The sixth annual Made In Montana Food and Gift Show wiU be open to buyers only on Friday, April 4, 2003, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Great Falls Civic Center. "Unquestionably, this is the largest collection of Made In Montana food and gift products under one roof," says Montana Department of Agriculture Director Ralph Peck. "Wholesale buyers of specialty food and gift products can't afford to miss this event." Co-sponsored by the Montana Department of Commerce and the Montana Department of Agriculture, the event highlights over 500 distinctive Made In Montana food and gift products to buyers from all over the United States. Products are as varied as clothing, jewelr\; art, furniture, pasta, confections and many other specialty food items. "This show enables buyers to go to one location and choose from a smorgasbord of Montana food and gift products," says Mark Simonich, director of the Montana Department of Commerce. "Montana is synonymous with quality and buyers are sure to be pleased with the show's selection this year." Admission to the show is free for buyers who have pre-registered by the March 17, 2003, deadline. Pre-registration also includes free admission to the Made in Montana reception, where buyers wiU have the opportunity to sample gourmet Made In Montana foods and meet with exhibitors. To pre-register, or for more information on attending the sixth annual Made In Montana Food and Gift Show as a wholesale buyer, contact Angelyn DeYoung at the Montana Department of Agriculture at (406) 444-2402, or by e-mail at agr@state.mt.us. Made In Montana program participants interested in receiving an exhibitor application should contact Rebecca Baumann, Montana Department of Commerce at (406) 841-2756 or via e-mail at rbaumann@state.mt.us. A list of exhibitors from last year's show is available from the Business Assistance page of the Montana Department of Agriculture web site at http://www.agr.state.mt.us/. Products The Montana Department of Agriculture will host the Montana Agricultural Showcase; January 27 and 28, 2003, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. in the Capitol rotunda. Over 200 products from throughout Montana will be displayed for the duration of the showcase, including pasta, breads, seasonings, flour and retail-packaged wheat. This showcase, celebrating the diversity of Montana's agricultural industry, gives the public and legislators a chance to view the bounty of our state's largest industry. Each day, different food and beverages, such as bagels, jam, meat products, water and coffee, will be available for tasting. Other agricultural products such as wool blankets, soaps, lotions and candles will also be displayed. One highlight of the showcase will be the Montana Value- Added Agriculture Success Stories. Sugar Loaf Wool Carding Mill will be there, exhibiting their value-added wool products and how their company has grown with the assistance of the Montana Department of Agriculture. Wheat Montana will also be there, highlighting their value-added wheat products, including bagels and bread. With questions or inquiries about exhibiting in the showcase, contact Angelyn DeYoung at 406-444-2402 or agr@state.mt.us 1 Governor Martz Announces Conference on Food Manufacturing and Marketing Governor Judy Martz invites members of Montana's food manufacturing and marketing industry to participate in the Governor's Conference on Food Manufacturing and Marketing on March 10, 2003, at the West Coast Colonial Hotel in Helena. The conference will address issues and opportunities identified in the 2001 Governor's Conference on Value-Added Food Processing. Emerging niche markets and seUing products outside of Montana will be discussed, as will business tools such as accounting, pricing and financing. Marketing plans, product branding and logo development also will be addressed. The conference is a venue through which food manufacturing and marketing companies can learn about industry changes and new opportunities to improve therr efficiency and effectiveness. A trade show for Montana suppliers also will take place during the conference. Montana distributors, packaging manufacmrers, marketing firms and other input companies will attend the conference to raise awareness of their products and services. The registration deadline is February 17, 2003. For more information about the Governor's Conference on Food Manufacturing and Marketing or for questions about registration, contact Angelyn DeYoung at the Montana Department of Agriculture at (406) 444-2402, or by e-mail at agr@state.mt.us. Billings, MT Portland, ME 2003 Trade Shows Specialty Food Industry 7-10 Feb Billings Market Association 9-11 Mar New England Products and Trade Show Food Service & Hospitality Industry 1 Mar Alaska HospitaHt)' & Food Svc. Expo Grocery & Convenience Store Industry 26-28 Feb AWTiL\ Real Deal Expo 15-18 Feb Snaxpo2003 10-12 Mar Host Mdwest Expo 11-14 Mar Foodex Japan Gift Industry 19-21 Feb Westpack 23-25 Feb Marketechnics 1 Mar Alaska Hospitality & Food Svc Expo 1 Mar Food Safety Summit and Expo 23-24 Mar Greater Pittsburgh Restaurant & Food Svc Pittsburgh, PA 406-652-6132 Gift & specialty food items. 207-781-5756 Gifts and specialty foods Anchorage, AK 907-277-7469 Hospitality and food service equipment Las Vegas, N V San Francisco, CA Milwaukee, WI Chiba, Japan Anaheim, CA Dallas, TX Anchorage, AK Washmgton, DC 202-463-2124 703-836-4500 800-589-321 1 +813 3434 3453 310-996-9466 202-463-0802 907-277-7469 800-746-9646 800-346-7767 Convenience store items Snack industry Food and beverage industry Food and beverage industry Packaging Food service technology Hospitalit)' and food ser\'ice equipment Qualit}' control svcs, etc. for food mdustry Equipment and svc for food industry Natural & Organic Trade Shows 13-15 Feb BioFach2003 6-9 Mar Natural Product Expo West Industry-Specific Trade Shows 13-15 Feb Billings Home and Garden Show,etc. 1 Mar Branding America 11-13 Mar Int'l Boston Seafood Show ▼ Financial Deadlines Nuremberg, Germany+49 91 1 86060 Anaheim, CA 866-458-4935 Billmgs, MT Baltimore, MD Boston, hL\ 406-651-0440 703-488-2700 207-842-5500 Organic products Natural products Home and garden services and suppHes Branding, product placement Seafood April 30 April 30 GTA Investment App. Deadline MT Dept. Agriculture 406-444-2402 Trade Show Assistance App. Deadline MT Dept. Agnculture 406-444-2402 Value-added financial assistance. Financial assistance to attend shows. W ♦Please contact the Montana Department of Agriculture for more information. + For international calls, please contact your local telephone company for dialing information. +For website information about each trade show, please refer to the Deptment's website at www.agr.state.mt.us. Irade Show Assistance Program Are you planning to attend a wholesale trade show this year? The Montana Department of Agriculture Trade Show Assistance Program helps agricultural companies attend domestic trade exhibitions to develop existing markets and access new ones. The department's Trade Show Assistance Program provides Montana agricultural companies with assistance to participate in trade promotion shows in the United States. Eligible companies can apply for financial support for a percentage of the cost to participate in upcoming trade exhibitions up to $ 1 ,000. Financial assistance is just one benefit of the Trade Show Assistance Program. The department's marketing staff can also assist Montana companies with many aspects of attending domestic trade shows, such as helping a company to identify the best trade opportunities to access their intended market. Trade exhibiting tips are also available for companies to use. Applications for the spring quarter are due by April 30, 2003. Deadlines are quarterly and fall on January 31, April 30, July 3 1 and October 3 1 annually. For an application or for more information on the Trade Assistance Program, contact Angelyn De Young at (406) 444-2404, or by e-mail at agr@state.mt.us. Program guidelines and trade show exhibiting tips are available at the Montana Department of Agriculture's web site at http://www.agr.state.mt.us. STATF DOCUMENTS COLLECTinN APR 2 9 2003 MONTANA ?-".".TE LIBR/"^« 15:5 " " iajsjij qsip^ 'JsidHjVv miJrg 'I'lAinnS ^IIW '"COQ ICU^S piH3 nnajng 'adilod lliaig JJBJS 3U!J35|JBIV ipad tld|e}{ - jopsjio sn)ui3)cjS(D)jSB:|rem-3 2t't'6-t't'1'(90t'):''Ej 'ZOf'c-t't'HgOt') 0296S IW 'cuapH 'lOcOOZ "oa Od UOjSIAIQ )U3Ujd013A3Q 3JIll|nOIj3v 3jn)|n3ij3v JO )d3Q ctreiuofAj sip Xq paqsTjqnd si nuBjuopv psppv-sniB^ 1-030-03969 llAI 'Bua|8H 103003 xogod uoiSjAjQ lueujdoieAeQ ejnunouBv ejnunouBvio lueoiviedea bub}uoi/\| s 338.13 A7mva Mar/Apr 2003 /x/i CD iNj -r>^ ixj ^x Value MONTANA STATE LIBRARY 3 0864 1002 0302 8 Added ripai'i^ert-wok' newsiTetter Montana Department of Agriculture March-Apnl 2003 "The best preparation for tomorrow is to do today's work superbly well." -Sir William Osler- USLGE ANNUAL MEETING The 2003 annual meeting of U.S. Livestock Genetics Export, Inc. (USLGE) took place in Las Vegas, Nevada January 29-31, 2003. USLGE is a nationwide livestock-specific, not-for-profit, trade association representing the international market development interests of the U.S. dairy, beef, sheep, swine and horse breeding industries. Their representation encompasses the embryo and semen industry, livestock export sector, plus leading state Departments of Agriculture from top livestock producing states across the Umted States. USLGE staff, in addition to staff members from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S.-China Agricultural Economic & Trade Promotion Council and U.S. Holstein Association presented an array of useful information at the seminar. Topics included: global marketing strategies, a national animal identification and tracking system, mtemational livestock market development and USDA support of U.S. livestock market activities. USLGE members in attendance came from across the U.S. from several state departments of agriculture and private livestock industry organizations. The annual meeting provides members a chance to discuss livestock marketing ideas with other industry leaders, while gaining insight on Unified Export Strategy applications. Members fUl out applications through USLGE to receive funding from USDA's Foreign Ag Service to perform international marketing activities. Momes are granted based upon activity descnptions, market potential and constraints, past results and strategic planning. Misti Pilster, Livestock & Meat Marketing Officer for the Montana Department of Agriculture, attended the seminar. For more information contact Misti Pilster at (406) 444-2402 or by email at agr@state.mt.us. INTERNATIONAL MARKETING WUSATA BRANDED PROGRAM 2003-2004 MONTANA -ALBERTA AGRICULTURE OPPORTUNTTIES CONFERENCE It's that time of the year again. WUSATA will soon begin the pre- qualifying process for Branded Funds application for FY2003-2004. This year's timeline is as follows: April -June July 1" August September October V September 3T', 2004 November 30*, 2004 Applicants Pre-Qualify Application Deadline States rate applications Dollars allocated Program Year begins Program Year ends Final Claims due A Branded Program seminar will be held m Boise, Idaho, on April 16, 2003. This IS a good opportumty for all compames planning foreign market activities, from first-timers to those expanding their portfolio of export markets. For details and to sign up, contact Alexa Hamilton, Branded Programs Director, WUSATA, at 360-693-3373 or by email alexa@wusata.org. One of this year's many updates and improvements to the program is a fully automated application process via WUSATA's website. The Branded Program is a cost-share funding program that supports the promotion of brand name* food and agricultural products in foreign markets. By providing participants with 50 percent cost reimbursement for eligible marketing and promotional activities, this program enables companies to effectively break mto new foreign markets. (*The term "brand name" is used loosely here. Companies promoting products via private label and bulk sales are often eligible.) For more information on the Branded Program and its use in Montana, contact Sarah Goan, the Department's International Marketing Officer, at (406) 444-2402 or by email at agr@state.mt.us. The Montana Department of Agriculture and Alberta Agriculture Food & Rural Development wiU hold the biennial Montana - Alberta Agriculture Opportunities Conference on June 16 and 17, 2003 in Great Falls, MT. This conference is an oppormnity for agricultural businesses, trading partners, and producers to gather information and address trade issues between Montana and Alberta. The conference also serves as a forum for the respective industries to provide guidance and recommendations to state and provincial agricultural trade policy makers. Agenda topics include crop and pesticide harmonization, livestock and animal health, agribusiness and transportation. There will also be panel discussions regarding exchange rates and their impacts, and domestic support and subsidies to agriculture producers. SMALL BUSINESS FINANCING The Small Business Administration (SBA) offers a 504- loan program to those entrepreneurs requiring a loan guarantee larger than $500,000. This long term financing program provides long-term fixed-rate financing for land and buildings. The borrowers have to be able to prove that the intended loan will have a favorable economic impact such as new job creation, etc. Exceptions do exist for businesses owned by veterans, women and others. For more information, contact your local SBA office at www. sba.gov. a:- 2003 Trade Shows Specialty Food Industry 2-5 Apr Made In Montana Show 25-27 Apr Billings Market Association 4-6 May Fancy Food and Confections 4-7 May Gourmet Products Show Food Service & the Hospitality Industry 22-24 )un Southwest Foodservice Expo Grocery & Convenience Store Industry 4-6 May US Food Export Showcase 7-9 Jun Good Food Show 9-10 Jun Sn3ckEx2003 Gift Industry 29-1 Mar/AprBoston Gift Show 17-20 May Int'ljeweky Fair/Gen Merch. Natural & Organic Trade Shows 24-27 Apr Canadian Health Food Expo Industry-Specific Trade Shows 19-20 Mar Pnvate Label Expo Las Vegas, NV 702-893-9090 25-27 Mar International Pizza Expo Las Vegas, NV 812-949-0909 4-6 May FMI Supermarket Industry Convention and Educational Exposition Chicago, IL 202-220-0802 May National Craft Brewers New Orleans, LA 303-447-0816 May Mobile Industnal Caterers New Orleans, LA 714-632-6800 Great Falls, MT Billings, MT Chicago, IL San Francisco, CA Dallas, TX Chicago, IL South Melbourne Barcelona Boston, MA New Orleans, LA Vancouver, BC, Canada 406-841-2756 406-652-6132 212-482-6440 800-272-SHOW 800-295-2872 703-876-0900 61-3-9261-4500 020 76114660 914-421-3200 630-241-9865 905-479-6939 ^ 7-10 l^ 15-18 Specialty food & gift products Gift & specialt)' food items Gourmet and confections Gourmet food Food service industry Food and beverage products Food industry Snack industry Gourmet and gift items Jewelry and general merchandise Natural products industry Private labeling Pizza Tech., equip., packaging, consumer goods Brewing mdustry Catering mdustry Financial Deadlines July 3 1 GTA Investment App. DeacUine July 31 Trade Show Assistance App. Deadline MT Dept. Agnculture 406-444-2402 MT Dept. Agnculture 406-444-2402 Value-added financial assistance. Fmancial assistance to attend shows. ♦Please contact the Montana Department of Agriculture for more information. +For international calls, please contact your local telephone company for dialing information. -I-For website information about each trade show, please refer to the Deptment's website at www.agr.state.mt.us. U.S. SUPPLIER LIST ONLINE I-' A "one-stop" information source for U.S. exporters and international buyers to research, plan, and evaluate potential trade A opportunities. For information, go to National Association of State Departments of Agriculture's website at http:// www.nasda.org/. Copies of the Foreign Agricultural Service's publication, "Exporter's Matrix: Handbook for U.S. Agribusinesses," can be obtained by contacting NASDA at (202) 296-9680. SAVE THE FAMILY FARM: GRANTS AVAILABLE TO NON-PROFITS I >j/ A source of grant funding can be found through the FARM AID organization. The mission of FARM AID is to help maintain ^i the family farm system of agriculture in America. Grants are given to nonprofit organizations that provide emergency assistance I ,' for farm families, and to organizations concerned with developing long-term solutions to farmers' problems. FARM AID grants I fall under five categories: emergency needs, advice hotlines, legal aid, education, and outreach/organizational development. Proposals " are accepted at any time and are considered according to the availability of fiinds. Grants range between $2,500 and |60,000. For full program details visit the following website. http://w\vw.farniaid.org/org/mission/grants.asp ST/ITF DOnifa,rr,T.s cntLECTION I- vlH ?003 15] 1^15 E 6th AVE •-"^ ITAMA 5p^.^,, iflisiij iisiv\ 'ia^llCM M^^S "^'^ilPS "VVi '"«"D ^P-H'S J3iq3 nrajng addoj iiujg jjBjs guija^JBiAi >(33j qd|e>| - jopsjig sniui 3)05(5) i3n:iicui-o Zi'P6-pPV(9Qpyi'V} 'Z0t'2-t't't'(90f) 0c965 IW 'cuapH '103003 ''og Od uojsiAiQ )U3uido|3AaQ 3jni|n3u3v 3ini|n3u3v Jo ■ld3(] cuEiuoj^ 31(1 Xq p3i)si|qnd si ruR)uoj\i pappv-sniBA 1020-02969 llAI 'bu8|8h 1.02002 xog Od uojsiAia )ueujdo|aA8a ejnunouBv ejnunouBv p juaoiijedaa eue}uoi/\| s 338.13 A7mva May/June 2003 Value Added MONTANA STATE LIBRARY 3 0864 1002 0232 7 NEWS ITE T T E R Montana Department of Agriculture Mav-]une 2003 "Perseverance is not a lonq race; it is many short races one after another." Walter Elliott Montana's Choice Frorr\ot\on6 T The Montana Department of Agriculture is gearing up for the 2003 Montana's Choice promotion. The Montana's Choice program is designed to increase sales of Montana food products in grocery stores throughout the state. The promotion works to inform consumers of the availabilit}^ of Montana grocery products through product idenuficarion in the store. This promotion is for Montana companies with Montana-made products sold in grocery stores. Involvement in the in-store promotions is encouraged at all participating stores in which a company's product is currendy sold. Governor Judy Martz will kick- off the promotional events at 10 a.m., May 9, 2003, at Van's Thriftway in Helena. We look forward to both the Governor and Lieutenant Governor parncipating in the other scheduled events when possible. Contact Angelyn DeYoung at 406-444-2402 or by email at agr@state.mt.us with questions or for a participation application. Montana's Choice In-Store Promotion Itinerarv Tri-national Accord Meeting Held in Montreal Contmuing a long-standing province/state relationship among Canada, the United States and Mexico, the Province of Quebec hosted the 13''' annual meetmg of the Tn-Nadonal Accord in Montreal April 1-3, 2003. Secretaries, commissioners, directors, ministers of agriculture, plus senior government officials from nine Canadian provinces, 15 U.S. states and nine Mexican states worked together to improve understanding and strengthen collaboration among the agricultural sectors for the three NAFTA countries. Among the 1 5 U.S. states. Director Ralph Peck and Meat and Livestock Marketing Officer Misti Pilster attended the sessions as representatives of the Montana Department of Agriculture. Director Peck, who is currendy ser\^ing as a co-chair on the U.S./Canada VC'orking Group, and Pilster participated in meetings related to U.S./Canada trade issues. Working Group members began their meeting ■with reports from federal officials regarding the activities and accomplishments of the U.S./Canada Consultative Committee on Agriculture. The report covered a range of issues including progress toward year-round movement of feeder cattie, pesticide harmonization, modifications of the administration of the mimsterial exempuon procedure for bulk commodity shipments, and more timely mechanisms for resolving technical trade disputes. Delegates also agreed to work together to encourage the U.S. and Canada to move in a parallel manner on science-based approval of new biotechnology products without compromising the marketabilit}" of those products. Country of Origin Labeling issues were also a topic of discussion. The panel discussed strategies that deal with cost, traceabiHt}- and liability issues for meat and seafood products in a mandatory system that goes bevond that for fresh fruits and vegetables. The Canadian and U.S. delegations also agreed on the importance of protecting the secunt}' of the North American food supply and the need to coordinate the role of states and provinces. For more information, please contact the Department's Meats and Livestock Marketing Officer, Misti Pilster at 406-444-2402 or by email at agr@state.mtus. Made In Montana Food & Gift Show The sixth annual Made In Montana Food and Gift Show, held in Great Falls, April 4-5, 2003 was a resounding success. Over 35 Montana agnculture companies mteracted with nearly 400 w-holesale buyers from Montana, New York, Washington and ^X^oming. Merchandise exhibited at the show ranged from condiments, breads and wool items to snacks, beverages and meat products. The public day on Saturday brought in a record-breaking 2,500 adults to the show. Thanks to all the vendors for helping to make this year's show a success. Questions? Contact Angelyn Deyoung at 406-444-2402 or by email at agr@stat.mtus. Day Date Store City Friday May 9, 2003 Van's Thriftway Helena Saturday May 17, 2003 Count\' Market Bozeman Saturday May 24, 2003 Albertson's Missoula Saturday May 31, 2003 Albertson's Butte Saturday June 7, 2003 County Market Billings Sunday June 8, 2003 Counn' Market Miles City Saturday June 14, 2003 .\Ibertson's Great Falls Saturday June 28, 2003 Tidyman's KalispeU EVENTS Montana-Alberta Agriculture Opportunities Conference: USDA Farm and Foreign Agriculture Services Under Secretary J.B. Penn is scheduled as a speaker for the Montana-.\lberta Agriculture Opportumties Conference in Great Falls at the Heritage Inn, June 16 and 17, 2003, as are numerous other agricultural and trade experts. This conference is a very good opportimity for producers and industry- members to discuss trade issues between Montana and Alberta. For more information on participation look for your registration packet in the mail or contact the department at 406- 444-2402 or email at agr@state.mtus. A USDA Countn- of Origin Labeling (COOL) listening session is set to take place in Billings at the Holiday Inn, June 6, 2003 from 1-4 p.m. In October of 2002, the USDA established voluntary guidelines for the COOL provision of the 2002 Farm Bill. Mandatory guidelines for COOL are set to be in place September of 2004. For more information please contact Misti Pilster, the Department's Meat and Livestock Marketing Officer, at 406-444- 2402 or by email at agr@state.mtus. 2003 Trade Shows Specialty Food Industry 22-24 Aug Billings Market Associaaon Food Service & the Hospitality Industry 22-24 Jun Southwest Foodservice Expo Grocery & Convenience Store Industry 7-9 Jun Good Food Show 9-10 Jun SnackEx2003 29-3 Aug/Sep Fme Food Australia 31-3 Aug/Sep Supermarket Australia Baiings, NIT DaUas, TX 406-652-6132 Gift & specialty- food items. South Melbourne, AUS Barcelona, Spain Sydney, AUS Sydney, AUS Gift Industry 17-20 May Int'ljewelr}- Fair/Gen. Merch. New Orleans, L.\ Industry-Specific Trade Shows 7-10 May National Craft Brewers 15-18 May Mobile Industnal Caterers Financial Deadlines New Orleans, LA New Orleans, LA 800-295-2872 61-3-9261-4500 020 76114660 +613 92614500 +613 92614500 630-241-9865 303-447-0816 714-632-6800 Food service mdustrv. Food industry. Snack mdustry. Food and beverage. Supermarket and C-store exb. Jewelry and general merchandise. Brewing industry. Catering industry. lulv 31 GTA Investment App. DeadHne luly 31 Trade Show Assistance App. Deadline MT Dept. Agriculture 406-444-2402 MT Dept. Agnculture 406-44-2402 Value-added fmancial assistance. Financial assistance to attend shows. ♦Please contact the Montana Department of Agricuhure for more information. +For international calls, please contact your local telephone company for dialing information. +For website information about each trade show, please refer to the Dcptment's website at www.agr.state.mt.us. Grants Available for Renewable Energy Projects USDA has $23 million available for renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvements for agricultural producers or rural small businesses. Grant funds are available for up to 25 percent of project costs, and amounts range from $10,000 to $250,000 for energy efficiency improvements. The following link wiU lead to more details: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rd/nofas/2003/rep040803.pdf Through the Biomass Research and Development Initiative, $21 million in grants are available to eligible entities to carr)' out research, development and demonstrations on biobased products, bioenergy, biofuels, biopower and related processes. The USDA Natural Resources Conservauon Service, on behalf of USDA and Department of Energy, is requesdng proposals for biomass research, development and demonstration projects. The sohcitation package (USDA-GRANTS-03 1803-001) is posted on the federal funding opportunities website at http://www.fedgrants.gov and in more detail at http://www.nrcs.usda.gov and http://www.bioproducts-bioenergy.gov/. Now on the WTO Website WORLD TRADE POINT FEDEIL\TION WEBSITE The new World Trade Point Federauon website offers trade contacts and information, which will be of particular interest to small and medium size companies wanting to develop export opportunities. Find out more at http://www.wtpfed.org/newsite/indexl.php. NEW ISSUE OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE FORUM MAGAZINE A new issue of International Trade Forum - the quarterly magazine of the International Trade Center - is available at http://www.tradeforum.org. ST/ITF DOCUMENTS COLLECTION ^'^^ r 3 2003 MONTA..ST.,e^UB.A,v HHFNA MO iTANA sgppo J31S||J qsHM -JJillt^ qwrs 'in!Ai||ns 5)(ilM ■uroQ qiuos )3rn3 nnaing 'adduj itisjg 5J03J qdiRjj - jopajid sniui3it;)S(5)j3c:|ii;ui-3 ZPPb-pn(90py^'^} 't0t'2-t't't'(90t') 0t96e in 'Eu^iaH 'lOcOOZ ^OQ od uoisiAiQ iuoiucloi3A3Q 3in]|nou3v 3jni|nDu3v JO idaQ cuciuoi^ 3\\\ Xq psqsiiqnd si KUBJUOl^ p3ppV-'in|R\ 1.020-0S969 ilAI 'euaieR 102002 xog Qd uojsiAia jueoidoiaAea ajnunouOy ajnjinouBv )0 lueLuyedaa bub}uoi/\| MONTANA STATE LIBRARY b 338.13 A7mva July/ Aug 2003 Value Added 3 0864 1002 0590 8 NEWS \TE T T E R Montana Department of Agriculture July-August 2003 Tkere is notking more cliihcult...tlian to take tke lead in tke introduction oi a new order oi tkings. Niccolo Mackiavelli Letter From tLe Director r As part of our effort to promote and enhance agriculture, Montana's number one industry, the department recently hosted the third Montana-Alberta Agriculture Opportunities Conference in Great Falls. The conference provided a venue for producers, industry leaders and government officials to disaiss trade between Montana and Alberta. The more than 100 agricultural leaders attending the conference also had an opportunity to listen to experts on both sides oj the border regarding trade issues such as animal health, transportation, legislative issues, and regulations. Montana and Alberta have many things in common. Although we have some new challenges, producers and consumers on both sides of the border benefit from a free and fair trade. Enhancing trade for our integrated agricultural industries is vital to maintaining the strength of Montana's agricultural economy. The Montana Department of Agriculture remains committed to protecting and enhancing all agriculture in Montana while continuing to foster positive relationships with our trading partners. Please do not hesitate to contact the department for your agriculture marketing and business development needs; our staff is knowledgeable and always willing to assist. Sincerely, X A^culture Development Council Meeting The Montana Agriculture Development Council is set to meet in Sidney, Montana, August 11-14, 2003, to review the most recent round of Growth Through Agriculture (GTA) program applications that meet tlie July 31, 2003, deadhne. The GTA program provides funding through investments and loans that assist Montana agribusinesses develop agricultural ventures and market value-added agricultural products. Tlie Montana Agriculture Development Council oversees the GTA program, and is a five-member council comprised of farmers, ranchers and agricultural business people as well as the directors of the Montana Department of Agriculture and the Montana Department of Commerce. The current quarterly GTA deadline is July 31, 2003. For more information please contact Quinn Holzer, GTA Program Manager at 406-444-2402 or by email at agr@,state.mt.us. International Malting Company Breaks Ground in Great Falls On July 2, 2003, Governor Judy Martz and Director Ralph Peck joined International Malting Company (IMC) officials in Great Falls for groundbreakmg ceremomes. IMC is a subsidiary of Lesaffre International, a fainily owned firm specializing in yeasts, malt barley, and other products used in food manufacturing. Lesaffre International Chairman Maurice Lesaffre and liis son Darmen Lesaffre, President of International Malting Company, expressed a great deal of appreciation for the work that had been done to bring IMC to Great Falls. Representatives of IMC first met with officials from the Cm- of Great Falls, Cascade Count\- and die Montana Department of Agriculture in October of 2001, and discussed the possibilit}- of developmg a malting facilit}' in the State. Since that time, IMC, companies and citizens, cit}', county, state and federal officials have all worked cooperatively to make land and water available for the project, and have walked through the financial, legal and regulatory aspects that must be in place to ensure the project meets its targets and deadlines. IMC's facikt)- will result m new jobs for Great Falls and Cascade Count)- and will enable Montana to process between 12 and 1 6 million bushels of its malt barley annually when it is completed. In addition to the obvious benefit of added processing and job creauon, die facilit}' also helps producers. Having a malting facility in their backyard allows producers to enjoy reduced freight costs on their crop. The freight savings and stable demand for barley in area will make a lot of producers more secure as they consider cropping choices. Additional impacts, such as livestock feeding with malting by- products and feed barley that didn't make malt quality, or brewing with identitv' preserved Montana malt, are expected to develop. It has taken a lot of hard work and cooperation to arrive at tins point, but the message is loud and dear. Montana is a competitive place to do business, and our collective effort at agricultural and economic development in the state is paying off JJo You Sell Product In Canada? A final rule requiring nutrition labeling of all prepackaged foods has been issued by Canada's Department of Health, and companies doing business in Canada must be in compliance by December 12, 2005. To help firms gear up for this change, the Food Institute has published a Primer on Canadian Nutrition Labeling, autirored by Olsson, Frank & Weeda, PC. Log on to \vww.foodinstitute.com/anadianlabeling.cfm?storeid=2&AFID=6> to order your copy. For more information please contact Sarah Goan, Marketing Officer for the Montana Department of Agriculture at 406-444-2402 or by email at agrfSistate.mt.us. ^2003 Trade Skows Specialty Food Industry 22-24 Aug Billings Market Association 24-26 Oct Billings Market Association Equipment and Packapng 31-3 Aug/Sep Hotel Australia 5-8 Sep NAFEM 2003 Grocery & Convenience Store Industry 29-3 Aug/Sep Fine Food Australia 31-3 Aug/Sep Supermarket Australia Billings, MT BiUings, MT Sydney, AUS New Orleans, LA Sydney, AUS Sydney, AUS 406-652-6132 406-652-6132 +613-9261-4500 312-245-1054 +613-9261-4500 +613-9261-4500 Gift & specialU' food items. Gift & specialt}' food items. Hotel and restaurant equipment. Food service equipment. Food and beverage. Supermarket and C-store. Other Events 15 July 11-14 Aug 14 Aug 14 Aug 19 Aug • Wnting a Business Plan Ag Development Council Mtg. Evaluating a Business Idea Marketing By The Numbers Evaluatmg a Busmess Idea Missoula, MT Sidney, MT Hamilton, MT Hamilton, MT Missoula, MT SBDC Traimng. Growth Through Agiculture Meetmg. SBDC Training. SBDC Training. SBDC Training. Financial Deadlines luly 31 GTA Investment App. Deadline* |ulv 31 Trade Show Assistance App. Deadline* MT Dept. Agnculture 406-444-2402 MT Dept. Agnculture 406-444-2402 ^'alue-added financial assistance. Financial assistance to attend shows. *Please contact the Montana Department of Agriculture for more information. +For international calls, please contact your local telephone company for dialing information. +For website information about each trade show, please refer to the Deptment's website at www.agr.state.mt.us. Countri] ol Origin Labeling Listening Session Held in Billing The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) hosted the eighth of twelve listening sessions on Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) in Billings, Montana on Friday, June 6, 2003. Listening sessions were held across the country to provide all segments of the agricultural industry with an opportunity to comment on how USDA should best implement the COOL law which was part of the 2002 Farm Bill. Under the COOL provision, covered commodities include muscle cuts of beef, lamb and pork, fish, fresh fruits and vegetables, and peanuts. Currendy, the provision is voluntary, but after September 30, 2004, retailers will be required to provide mformation to consumers as to the origin of those covered commodities. In announcing the Listening sessions, U.S. Agriculture Secretary Ann Veneman said the intention of the forums was to educate the pubUc about the law and to seek additional ideas about how best to implement COOL without an "undue burden" on producers, processors and grocers. Montana Department of Agriculture Director Ralph Peck noted, "We have been following the process closely to make certain that the law is implemented in a way that meets the needs of producers and the nation without creating a huge amount of paperwork." Approximately 90 people signed up to testif}' at the BiUings hearing, but due to time constraints, only 66 individuals spoke. Transcripts of oral and written testimony from each listening session wiU be available in coming mondis on the USDA website at www.ams.usda.gov/cool. For more information about die Listening sessions, see the USDA website, or contact Misti PUster, livestock marketing officer at the Montana Department of Agriculture at (406) 444-2402, or by email at agr@state.mt.us. STATE DOCUMENTS COLLECTION "'' ^3 2003 HFI FNA MO'iTAWA 5900 j.iis|lj nsijM Ja^ilcjvs l|njcs 'lic*!lins ^H'W '"""D MiJ"S )3il|3 iin.\ina -^iJcluj jilajg jjEJs 3uija5(jBiM >)D3a l|dlKH - J0).13J!(I sniuJ3)!;iS(B)jSt::|!Ciu-o ct7t'6-t'1't'(90t'):>"''j 'c0fc-t't't'(90t-) 0CT6e IW ■v.uopH 'lOcOOc ^■■oa Od UO|SIAI(] 1U3U1(J013A3Q Djn)|n.iij3v 3jni|n3u3vjo idoQ cuouoiaj 311) ^'■\ pJMSi|qnd si rui;)uoi/\j p.ippv-'inpjv 1.020-02969 IIAI 'BU8|eH 1.02003 xog Qd uoisjAjQ jueaido|aA8a 8Jn}|nou6v ejnnnoij6vio luatuyedea bubiuoi/\|