Western U.S.
Agricultural Trade Association Increasing International Growth of Western Agribusinesses by providing
Financial Support, Export Readiness, and Business Development Services.

Western U.S.
Agricultural Trade
Association

Important 2025 FundMatch Program Policy Update Effective January 31, 2025, Airbnb accommodations will not be eligible for FundMatch reimbursement. Bookings made prior to this date will be honored.

2025 FundMatch Applications Are Now Open! Receive 50% reimbursement for international marketing expenses: Current participants apply through your My WUSATA account!

Make the World Your Customer WUSATA is a nonprofit trade association funded through the Market Access Program.

Country Market
Intelligence Reports Read about monthly market changes in China, Korea, Japan, the ASEAN region, and Latin America.

Meet Foreign Buyers
with Global Connect Participate in international trade events and explore new markets

Important 2025 FundMatch Program Policy Update Effective January 31, 2025, Airbnb accommodations will not be eligible for FundMatch reimbursement. Bookings made prior to this date will be honored.

2025 FundMatch Applications Are Now Open! Receive 50% reimbursement for international marketing expenses: Current participants apply through your My WUSATA account!

Make the World Your Customer WUSATA is a nonprofit trade association funded through the Market Access Program.

Country Market
Intelligence Reports Read about monthly market changes in China, Korea, Japan, the ASEAN region, and Latin America.

Meet Foreign Buyers
with Global Connect Participate in international trade events and explore new markets

About

WUSATA is a nonprofit organization that works closely with the western state Departments of Agriculture to provide exporting resources to food and agriculture companies. Our programs help companies Learn, Connect, and Compete in international marketplaces.

Export Readiness

If you're just getting started, no worries! Our Export Readiness program is a collection of resources for new-to-export or new-to-market companies including market intelligence reports and webinars.

Global Connect

Looking to meet with international buyers? Global Connect is our event-based program where we introduce participants to pre-qualified buyers at trade shows, missions, and through trade leads.

FundMatch

Double your international marketing budget with our FundMatch program! The FundMatch program helps companies expand their reach through 50% reimbursement of eligible international marketing initiatives.

Events

All Events

Jun 16, 2025 FUNDMATCH Program Overview for Guam & CNMI FUNDMATCH Program Overview for Guam and CNMI Tuesday, June 17, 2025, 9:00AM ChST (Monday, June 16, 2025, 4:00 PM PST) Presented By: Kate Brauner, Engagement Executive for Guam & CNMI and Gretchen Gilbert, FundMatch Manager, WUSATA Are you a food or agricultural business based in Guam or the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) looking to grow your presence in international markets? Join us for a dedicated webinar introducing the WUSATA FundMatch Program, a valuable cost-share opportunity designed to support your export marketing efforts.This session will walk through how Guam and CNMI companies can access 50% reimbursement on eligible international marketing expenses, helping reduce the financial risk of expanding into new markets.During the session, we will cover: An overview of how the FundMatch Program worksEligibility guidelines specific to Guam and CNMI companiesExamples of qualifying activities (e.g., trade shows, advertising, packaging translation)Application tips and timelinesSupport and resources available through WUSATAThis webinar is specifically geared toward agribusinesses, food processors, and producers in Guam and CNMI who are ready to take the next step toward exporting or increasing their global market reach.Who should attend: Local agricultural producers, food and beverage companies, cooperatives, and trade organizations interested in promoting their products abroad.There will be a Q&A portion at the end, so come prepared with your questions!

Online

Jun 24, 2025 Pack, Ship, Showcase: Your Guide to Entering Japan’s Food Market via Trade Shows Pack, Ship, Showcase: Your Guide to Entering Japan’s Food Market via Trade ShowsJune 25, 2025, 9:00AM ChST (June 24, 2025, 4:00- 5:00 PM PST)**The meeting link will be sent to registered companies within 24 hours of registration**Presented by Bryant Christie Inc., FOODEX and WUSATAThis webinar is targeted at exporters of food and specialty agricultural products based in Guam and the CNMI, particularly those interested in entering or expanding into the Japanese market through trade show participation. Speakers will offer hands-on guidance for preparing for Japanese trade shows, including booth setup, cultural best practices, and follow-up strategies. Participants will leave with actionable knowledge to effectively showcase their products, meet Japanese regulatory standards, and build connections with local buyers and distributors. In addition to trade show guidance, attendees will gain insights into logistics planning, including shipping options from Guam and the CNMI, necessary documentation like the Import Notification and Certificate of Origin requirements, and working with customs brokers. The presentation will also provide a practical overview of Japan’s import landscape, focusing on key requirements such as product packaging, retail sizing, nutritional labeling, and phytosanitary documentation. Detailed Meeting Overview:1. Welcome & Objectives 2. Why Japan? Why Trade Shows? 3. Quick Guide to Trade Show Planning4. Product Readiness: Packaging, Labeling & Sizing 5. Shipping & Logistics Essentials 6. Customs Process & Regulatory Compliance 7. FOODEX Participation Specifications & Requirements (Betsy Riggs & Kate Hawkins) 8. Wrap-Up & Key Takeaways 9. Q&A

Online

Jun 25, 2025 Cracking the China Code: Compliance, Consumers & Connections for Ag Exporters Cracking the China Code: Compliance, Consumers & Connections for Ag ExportersJune 25, 2025, 10am to 11am PDT**The meeting link will be sent to registered companies within 24 hours of registration**Presented by Bryant Christie Inc. and SMH International ConsultingThis webinar is targeted at exporters of food and specialty agricultural products based in the Western United States, particularly those interested in entering or expanding in the Chinese market. The presentation will provide a technical overview of China’s import landscape, including tariff implications, maximum residue level (MRL) compliance, phytosanitary certification, and the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) registration requirements for manufacturers, processors, exporters, and distributors. It will also cover key topics such as labeling, import procedures, sample shipments, and regulations around non-commercial gift shipments. In addition to compliance, the session will explore Chinese consumer trends, retail and foodservice opportunities, and emerging demand in second- and third-tier cities. The webinar will conclude with practical insights on relationship-building, leveraging USDA Agricultural Trade Offices (ATOs), and identifying reliable distribution partners to help exporters succeed in this dynamic and complex market.Detailed Meeting Overview:1.Welcome and Opening RemarksIntroductionBrief overview of objectives and what attendees can expect2. Brief overview of China's importance to Western U.S. ag exports3. China Import Market Landscape: A Technical OverviewCurrent tariff landscape and trade agreement updatesKey technical barriers:o Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) and how they differ from U.S. standardso Phytosanitary certificate requirements for fresh produceo Labeling, documentation, and clearance practicesImport process:o Role of importers and whether they are mandatoryo Rules on sending product samples – quantity and declarationo Can exporters ship directly or must they use a licensed importer?Regulations for sending gifts:o Value thresholds, labeling, and documentationo Avoiding customs issues with non-commercial shipmentsGACC registration:o Who needs to register: manufacturers, processors, exporters, distributorso Overview of Decree 248/249 and what’s changedo Step-by-step tips for successful registration and common mistakes to avoid4. Retail Landscape:Chinese consumer preferences and demand for U.S. productsGrowth of premium, organic, and sustainable segmentsTrends in retail and e-commerce (e.g., Hema, JD, Alibaba)Foodservice rebound and opportunities in HRI channels 5. Importance of building and maintaining long-term relationships 6. Engaging with USDA Foreign Agricultural Service and ATO offices in China7. How to find opportunities beyond Tier 1 cities:Identifying and evaluating 2nd and 3rd tier marketsTools and resources to support geographic diversification8. Alternative engagement strategies:Virtual trade shows, hybrid events, and in-market promotionsRelationship-building without frequent travel9. Working with distributors:Tips for finding, vetting, and maintaining distributor relationshipsLegal considerations and expectations on both sides10. Summary of key takeaways11. Q&AOpen floor for participant questions12. Closing Remarks & Next Steps Summary of key takeawaysUpcoming WUSATA eventsInvitation to one-on-one consultingLearning Outcomes:1. Understand key technical requirements for exporting food and agricultural products to China, including tariffs, MRLs, phytosanitary certifications, and labeling.2. Navigate China’s import procedures, including the role of licensed importers, rules for sample shipments, and regulations around sending gifts.3. Comply with GACC registration requirements under Decree 248/249 for manufacturers, processors, exporters, and distributors.4. Identify current consumer trends and market dynamics in China’s retail, e-commerce, and food service sectors relevant to Western U.S. exporters.5. Recognize the strategic importance of building and maintaining strong relationships with Chinese partners, especially during challenging trade environments.6. Leverage USDA Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) and Agricultural Trade Office (ATO) resources to support market entry and expansion efforts.7. Explore opportunities beyond major cities, using available tools to assess and target 2nd and 3rd tier urban markets in China.8. Apply practical approaches to relationship-building and market engagement, including virtual events and distributor collaboration strategies.

Online

Jun 25, 2025 FundMatch Tutorial Webinar - International In-Store Displays Does your marketing plan include international In-Store displays this year?If you answered yes to the above question, we highly recommend you join the webinar! The FundMatch Claim Tutorial webinar will go over the eligible expenses and walk you through the required claim documentation requirements.Getting your 50% reimbursement can be easy and this is a great place to start!

Teams

Events Jun 16, 2025 FUNDMATCH Program Overview for Guam & CNMI Jun 24, 2025 Pack, Ship, Showcase: Your Guide to Entering Japan’s Food Market via Trade Shows Jun 25, 2025 Cracking the China Code: Compliance, Consumers & Connections for Ag Exporters Jun 25, 2025 FundMatch Tutorial Webinar - International In-Store Displays

All Events

Participant Success

View All

Over the past year, Pacific Seafood has participated in more than five trade missions and hosted several groups for tours of its facilities. These opportunities have been invaluable in showcasing its operations and forging new business connections.

FundMatch

Global Connect

WUSATA brings buyers straight to us. Even if the buyer you’re talking to isn’t necessarily looking at beverages, they might be able to connect you with the person who is. That’s what I love about WUSATA.

Global Connect

Without WUSATA's Branded program we wouldn't have been unable to afford international travel and participation in key trade shows that have contributed to their expansion into new markets and the subsequent increase in sales.

FundMatch

Our Participants

FundMatch

Global Connect