Frequently Asked Questions

If your company is interested in exporting, a number of questions have probably come to mind. This section addresses some of the most frequently asked questions including where to find market information as well as exporting and certification documents that may be required. If you have any additional questions please call (573) 751-4211 or email abd@mda.mo.gov.

Where can I find information on foreign markets?

USDA's Foreign Agricultural Service offers reports categorized by topics, commodities and countries.

USDA FAS Trade Data and Analysis allows access to various databases, quarterly export sales forecasts, attache reports and international agricultural trade reports.

USDA Economic Research Service offers reports on various topics such as food safety, global food markets, global food security and trade policy.

CIA World Factbook offers information on the history, people, government, economy and transnational issues for the 267 world entities.

Euromonitor International is the world's leading independent provider of strategic market research. It generates data and analysis on thousands of products and services around the world.

Exports.gov offers market research and trade events and leads for U.S. agribusiness companies.

What state and federal programs are there to assist U.S. Exporters with international trade events and marketing financial assistance?

A host of programs exist to help U.S. exporters succeed internationally, including the Market Access Program, the Export Enhancement Program, and the Emerging Markets Program. For information about these and more federal assistance programs:

How can I get information about requirements for exporting meat (poultry, pork, beef, goat, etc.) to specific countries?

The U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) is a nonprofit trade association working to create new opportunities and develop existing international markets for U.S. beef, pork, lamb and veal. Headquartered in Denver, USMEF has offices in Seoul, Tokyo, Beijing, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Singapore, Taipei, Moscow, St. Petersburg, Mexico City, Monterrey and Brussels. USMEF also has special market representatives covering China, the Middle East, Central and South America and the Caribbean.

USDA's Food Safety Inspection Service maintains a Library of Export Requirements that provides a country-by-country explanation of requirements for exporting most U.S. meat products. In general, meat products for export must come from a USDA-inspected processing facility.

Where can I meet legitimate foreign buyers of agriculture products?

  • Trade Shows – industry specific exhibitions can serve as a great opportunity to meet prospective buyers. MDA’s marketing team will provide you with a list of shows for your consideration, or you can join a department-led delegation to a show.
  • Buyers’ Missions – coordinated visits where foreign buyers visit Missouri for the purpose of procuring agricultural products is another great way to meet vetted foreign buyers.

I have received a request to export my product to an unknown foreign buyer, and I am unsure of whether or not they are legitimate. Is there anything I can do to be sure?

Yes, through our network of partners in our foreign office in Taiwan, at the USDA- Foreign Ag Service, in-market representatives at our national associations and the Department of Economic Development we are often able to confirm or deny legitimacy of foreign trade requests.