Who We Are

Creators of a Global Marketplace

Food Export Association of the Midwest USA (Food Export–Midwest) and Food Export USA–Northeast (Food Export–Northeast) are non-profit organizations that assist U.S. companies looking to start or expand export sales. We aim to maximize their success through programs and services in Export EducationMarket Entry, and Market Promotion.

We’re composed of agricultural promotion agencies from 13 Midwestern and 10 Northeastern states. Our services are administered through the Market Access Program (MAP) and Agricultural Trade Promotion Program (ATP) funding from the USDA, Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS).

In 2019, more than 1,000 companies participated in over 60 events and activities across the world, which generated upwards of $978M in export sales.

Our Mission

At Food Export-Midwest and Food Export-Northeast, our mission is to empower small- and medium-sized businesses in our regions to sell their food and agricultural products internationally by:

  • Simplifying Success: Reducing the risk and complexity of exporting value-added food, agricultural, seafood, and forestry products through education, market development, and promotion.
  • Enriching Exchange: Connecting the world’s importers, distributors, manufacturers, and retailers to the best U.S. products and producers to strengthen the vitality of our regions, businesses, and communities.
  • Realizing Resources: Partnering effectively with our 23 member-state agencies and the USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service to invest in the future of our member states and U.S. agriculture.

Our Vision

At Food Export-Midwest and Food Export-Northeast, we envision a future where small- and medium-sized businesses in our regions thrive in the global marketplace. Our vision is to lead this transformation by fully embodying our mission:

  • Simplifying Success

In our vision, we see a future where exporting value-added food, agricultural, seafood, and forestry products is simple, accessible, and low-risk for small- and medium-sized businesses. We take a leadership role, leveraging technology, expertise, and innovation to provide businesses, especially the underserved, with customized tools and unwavering support to thrive in international markets.

  • Enriching Exchange

We aim to create a global network where importers, distributors, manufacturers, and retailers actively seek out the finest products and producers from our regions. By connecting businesses, we envision economic vitality, thriving enterprises, and flourishing local communities. Our organization serves as the bridge that fosters partnerships and trade relationships worldwide.

  • Realizing Resources

In our vision, we serve as the linchpin of collaboration and support, forming strong partnerships with our 23 member-state agencies and the USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service. We see a future where these alliances drive significant investment in the growth and prosperity of our member states and U.S. agriculture. As mindful stewards, we ensure the effective and optimized use of these public resources for the benefit of businesses and for the positive impact on the communities they support.

Values

Cultivating Global Relationships. We nurture lasting relationships across borders and boundaries and work collaboratively to help our stakeholders.

Rooted in Trust. We invest in and support our stakeholders then trust them to take ownership over their work. We are responsible stewards of our resources and work with integrity.

Producing Results. We are focused on the long-term success of the stakeholders in our regions; we’re driven to help them succeed through innovation and expertise.

Who We Serve

Businesses seeking new growth opportunities:

Food Export Overview
Suppliers

Suppliers

We provide market intelligence, education, assistance, tools, and financial support for novice to seasoned U.S. food companies that help them find growth opportunities and build dynamic export strategy programs to achieve international success.

Start Unlocking Global Opportunities

Buyers

Buyers

We connect international buyers with qualified and knowledgeable export companies that are committed to growing with partners in major food markets around the globe.

Start Importing from the U.S.

Partners

Partners

We connect partners to our vast supplier network across the Midwest and Northeast to spread awareness of partner programs and services.

Partner With Us

NE and MW map

Midwest and Northeast Member States

We work together with 13 Midwestern and 10 Northeastern state agricultural promotion agencies to provide programs and activities for U.S. suppliers.

The Strategic Alliance

Elevating the Export Experience.

Food Export–Midwest and Food Export–Northeast formed a strategic partnership over 20 years ago to enhance our ability to carry out our shared missions.

This agreement ensures both organizations retain their independent status, while the companies we serve benefit from the collaborative effort created by the partnership. These positive effects include streamlined operations, pooled marketing resources, and more activities in a broader range of international markets.

Food Export-Midwest and Food Export-Northeast are two of four State Regional Trade Groups (SRTGs) that assist in export promotion. The other two regional groups, SUSTA and WUSATA, provide similar services beyond our state regions.

Learn more about Food Export–Midwest or Food Export–Northeast.