CCOF is currently seeking representatives from companies engaged in organic specialty crop production who are interested in exporting or increasing exports to Mexico.
About the Specialty Crop Trade Mission to Mexico
In partnership with the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), CCOF will lead a trade mission to Mexico June 17-21.
The goal of this project is to create economic opportunities for specialty crop organic producers through an international market development activity and by leveraging the unique qualities of specialty crops grown in California.
The intended outcome of this project is to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops through increased sales. This will be achieved through business-to-business matchmaking opportunities, market promotions, and engagement with industry and trade representatives.
Mexico is the fourth largest agricultural export destination for California farms–representing more than $1.2 billion in overall exports. Tree nuts, fresh fruit, and processed tomatoes are some of the leading specialty crop exports to the market.
The Organic Specialty Crop Trade Mission to Mexico will include the direct participation of 10 specialty crop companies. These companies will directly benefit from one-on-one business meetings to further the opportunity of export sales to Mexico.
Eligibility for Participation
- Ability and willingness to participate in the delegation and travel to Guadalajara and Mexico City June 17-21.
- Business affiliation with a California-based company engaged in specialty crop production.
- Currently exporting or having genuine interest and capacity to export organic specialty crops to Mexico.
- Sufficient funding to cover airfare, some meals, and ancillary expenses. Hotels, in-country transportation, and some meals will be covered by the delegation through a USDA specialty crop grant.
Specialty crops are defined by the USDA as fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops (including floriculture). Eligible plants must be cultivated or managed and used by people for food, medicinal purposes, and/or aesthetic gratification to be considered specialty crops. Processed products shall consist of greater than 50% of the specialty crop by weight, exclusive of added water.
Common eligible crops include nuts, fruit, vegetables, and culinary and medicinal herbs. A full list of eligible and illegible crop is available for reference at What is a Specialty Crop? | Agricultural Marketing Service (usda.gov)
How to Apply for Participation:
Please contact CCOF Administrative Assistant Makenna Moore at mmoore@ccof.org with your name, business, and statement of interesting in participation. Ten participant spaces are available, and we will prioritize selection of participants that demonstrate a high likelihood of increasing their sales through the delegation’s activities.