Conference to Help Alabama Farmers & Agribusinesses Grow Their Export Sales

Release from the Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries

The Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries will hold a conference for farmers and agribusinesses to provide insights on international trade and how to export products to foreign markets.

Commissioner John McMillan announced the one-day conference, entitled "Trading With the World," to be held May 15, 2012, at the Birmingham Marriott. Registration is open to farmers and agribusinesses. There is no charge for attendance and registration is limited to 125.

"Our goal is to help Alabama farmers and agribusinesses learn the process of international trade and expand their opportunities in export sales, especially as new foreign markets are opening up with the recently passed Free Trade Agreements," McMillan said.

The Southern United States Trade Association (SUSTA) is a co-sponsor of the conference, providing expert advice on how to lessen the risks of international marketing. SUSTA offers a range of services to producers, manufacturers and distributors of U.S. agricultural products.

Other presenters include persons from the Alabama International Trade Center, Alabama Department of Commerce (formerly the Alabama Development Office), Alabama State Port Authority, Alabama Legislature, Bremen Investments and BLG Logistics.

Admission to the conference is free, but early registration is required due to limited space. To sign up, go to www.ALexportconference.com and click on the registration tab. For more information, contact Deputy Commissioner Brett Hall at (334) 240-7101 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .