Department Hosting Inbound Canadian Seafood Trade Mission

Canadian buyers to meet with Maryland seafood companies June 7-8

ANNAPOLIS, MD – The Maryland Department of Agriculture will host an inbound trade mission of Canadian seafood buyers and distributors, June 7-8. The mission will give buyers an opportunity to tour facilities and meet with local watermen and seafood processors. The mission is funded by the Southern United States Trade Association (SUSTA), of which the department is a member.

Participants must be small companies that sell products of at least 50-percent U.S. origin, and should be export ready. Since the mission is supported by federal funds, interested companies must pre-qualify with SUSTA to participate. There is a nominal registration fee of $25. More info is available on the SUSTA website.

Registration is first come, first serve. If the number of Maryland companies registered exceeds the amount that can be visited in two days, the department will arrange a business-to-business conference for the Canadian buyers and Maryland companies.

Canada is the second largest export market for U.S fishery products, with exports reaching a record value of $1 billion in 2016—combined U.S. agricultural, fishery and forestry product exports to Canada were $23.8 billion. Canada relies heavily on imported food products due to its limited growing season. This mission is a great opportunity for seafood producers who offer a wide range of product.

For more information on the trade mission, contact Ron Buckhalt at ron.buckhalt@maryland.gov, 410-841-5838.

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