Western U.S.
Agricultural Trade
Association
2026 FundMatch Applications Go Live October 1st!
The 2026 FundMatch application period opens—two months later than usual to implement key enhancements that will improve your application experience.
Alert: Suspicious Bill.com Payment Requests
If someone claiming to be a bill.com employee requests virtual card payments or asks about invoice verification, it's a scam. When in doubt, verify with us first!
Make the World Your Customer
WUSATA is a nonprofit trade association funded through the Market Access Program.
Sign Up Now!
Want to access WUSATA's resources?
Create a free MyWUSATA account in three quick steps.
Create a free MyWUSATA account in three quick steps.
Country Market
Intelligence Reports Read about monthly market changes in China, Korea, Japan, the ASEAN region, and Latin America.
Intelligence Reports Read about monthly market changes in China, Korea, Japan, the ASEAN region, and Latin America.
Meet Foreign Buyers
with Global Connect Participate in international trade events and explore new markets
with Global Connect Participate in international trade events and explore new markets
2026 FundMatch Applications Go Live October 1st!
The 2026 FundMatch application period opens—two months later than usual to implement key enhancements that will improve your application experience.
Alert: Suspicious Bill.com Payment Requests
If someone claiming to be a bill.com employee requests virtual card payments or asks about invoice verification, it's a scam. When in doubt, verify with us first!
Make the World Your Customer
WUSATA is a nonprofit trade association funded through the Market Access Program.
Sign Up Now!
Want to access WUSATA's resources?
Create a free MyWUSATA account in three quick steps.
Create a free MyWUSATA account in three quick steps.
Country Market
Intelligence Reports Read about monthly market changes in China, Korea, Japan, the ASEAN region, and Latin America.
Intelligence Reports Read about monthly market changes in China, Korea, Japan, the ASEAN region, and Latin America.
Meet Foreign Buyers
with Global Connect Participate in international trade events and explore new markets
with Global Connect Participate in international trade events and explore new markets
About
WUSATA is a nonprofit organization that works closely with the western state Departments of Agriculture to provide exporting resources to food and agriculture companies. Our programs help companies Learn, Connect, and Compete in international marketplaces.
Export Readiness
If you're just getting started, no worries! Our Export Readiness program is a collection of resources for new-to-export or new-to-market companies including market intelligence reports and webinars.
Global Connect
Looking to meet with international buyers? Global Connect is our event-based program where we introduce participants to pre-qualified buyers at trade shows, missions, and through trade leads.
FundMatch
Double your international marketing budget with our FundMatch program! The FundMatch program helps companies expand their reach through 50% reimbursement of eligible international marketing initiatives.
Events
All Events
Aug 20, 2025
From Vine to Vendor: Navigating Current Challenges for U.S. Wine, Spirits, & Alcohol Exports to Canada
From Vine to Vendor: Navigating Current Challenges for U.S. Wine, Spirits, & Alcohol Exports to CanadaAugust 20, 2025 10am to 11pm PDT**The Microsoft Teams link will be sent via a Calendar Invite after registration is completed**Presented by Bryant Christie Inc., This webinar is designed for alcohol exporters based in the Western United States, particularly small to mid-sized wineries, distilleries, brewers, and beverage producers looking to enter or expand into the Canadian market. The session will provide a practical overview of Canada’s alcohol import system, highlighting the role of provincial liquor boards, labeling and compliance requirements, and cross-border trade dynamics. Attendees will gain insights into emerging consumer trends in Canada, including demand for premium products, ready-to-drink beverages, and low- or no-alcohol options. The presentation will also cover strategies for identifying and partnering with Canadian importers, agents, and distributors, as well as navigating provincial differences in retail access and pricing. A featured case study will offer firsthand insights from a successful U.S. brand already doing business in Canada. Participants will leave with actionable tips for preparing their products for export, complying with regulatory requirements, and effectively connecting with the right partners in the Canadian alcohol sector.Detailed Webinar Overview:1. Welcome & Objectives Host introduction (moderator, trade office or regional export promotion representative)Brief overview of purpose: helping Western U.S. alcohol brands understand the Canadian market and export path 2. Snapshot – U.S.-Canada Alcohol Trade in 2025 Brief overview of current trade data (imports of wine, spirits, beer by volume/value)Updates on any regulatory changes, tariffs, or border considerationsKey takeaway: Canada remains a top-tier export market for U.S. alcohol3. Canada’s Alcohol Import System & Regulatory Landscape Provincial liquor control boards explained (e.g., LCBO, SAQ, BCLDB)Importation process (private order vs general listing vs consignment)Federal requirements (Health Canada, CFIA, excise duties)Labeling requirements and bilingual packaging considerationsRegional nuances in retail access and rules4. What Canadian Consumers Want Premiumization: Growth in craft spirits, small-lot wine, and artisanal producersReady-to-Drink (RTDs): Explosive growth and shelf competitionLow/No Alcohol: Expanding demand among younger and health-conscious consumersProduct formats gaining traction (e.g., cans vs bottles)Pricing expectations and how they compare to U.S. markets5. Case Study – A U.S. Alcohol Brand in Canada Brief background on the companyHow they chose Canada and their market entry strategyHow they found and worked with a Canadian partner (agency or distributor)Labeling and compliance tips from experienceSales outcomes and lessons learned6. Q&A (5 mins)Learning Outcomes:Describe the structure of Canada’s alcohol import system, including the roles of provincial liquor boards and key regulatory requirements.Identify current consumer trends in the Canadian alcohol market, such as premiumization, the rise of ready-to-drink products, and interest in low/no-alcohol beverages.Understand the steps required to prepare a product for export to Canada, including labeling, packaging, and compliance with federal and provincial laws.Distinguish between Canadian alcohol distributors, agents, and importers, and understand how to evaluate and select the right type of partner.Recognize the unique business practices and pricing structures of different Canadian provinces, and how they affect sales and distribution strategy.Apply lessons from a real-world U.S. brand success story, including strategies for market entry, relationship-building, and brand positioning in Canada.Develop an action plan for entering the Canadian alcohol market, including next steps for compliance, partner outreach, and market research.Access tools and resources to support ongoing export readiness, including contact points for provincial boards, label guidelines, and partner directories.
Microsoft Teams
Aug 28, 2025
Southern California FundMatch Workshop & Roadshow
Combine strategy and funding to maximize your export success!August 27–28, 2025 | • Riverside • Los AngelesEvent Hours: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PMThe Western U.S. Agricultural Trade Association (WUSATA) is bringing its popular FundMatch Roadshow back to Southern California! Learn how to unlock 50% cost reimbursement (up to $300,000/year) for your international marketing efforts including trade shows, packaging, digital advertising, and more. Work directly with export consultants and WUSATA specialists to build a tailored strategy that combines expert insight with FundMatch resources to elevate your global reach and accelerate business growth. Presented by WUSATA, in partnership with the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA)FundMatch Deep Dive & Personalized MeetingLed by Senior Engagement Executive Hayden Romig, this session includes:A personalized discussion of your marketing plans, product information, and international marketing strategies.A detailed walkthrough of the FundMatch Program, covering:Eligibility and enrollmentApplication processClaims, documentation, and reimbursement timelinesExamples of eligible international marketing activities companies leverage for growth Export Consultant Presentation & Expert ConsultationsLed by Leo Boccalon, Senior Trade Analyst, TradeMoves LLC:"Managing Global Trade Disruptions: Tools/Strategies for Success" PresentationLimited one-on-one consultations with export specialistsGuidance on navigating trade barriers and tariffsSupport with budgeting, documentation, and market entry tacticsAnd other industry partner presentations & meetings to come! August 26 - San Diego (SBA Office) CancelledAugust 27 - Riverside (Riverside City Hall, 3900 Main St) August 28 - Los Angeles (Port of Long beach Admin. Building, 415 W Ocean Blvd.)Registration$25 per person (Lunch Included) Seats are limited – Reserve early! Parking will be validatedDon’t have a WUSATA account? Sign up here to register Select Attending Webinar/Seminar for the Quick Basic Sign-Up!
Southern California
Aug 27, 2025
Fresh Paths: Navigating U.S.-Mexico Produce Trade
Fresh Paths: Navigating U.S.-Mexico Produce TradeAugust 27, 2025 10am to 11am PDT**The Microsoft Teams link will be sent via a Calendar Invite after registration is completed**Presented by Bryant Christie Inc., This webinar is designed for produce exporters based in the Western United States, particularly growers, packers, shippers, and marketers seeking to enter or expand in the Mexican market. The session will provide a practical overview of U.S.–Mexico produce trade, highlighting recent policy and market developments, including new duties on Mexican tomatoes, changes in minimum export prices, updates on phytosanitary requirements, and lessons from recent avocado and mango inspection suspensions. Attendees will gain insights into seasonal demand patterns, key ports of entry, and evolving consumer trends in Mexico. The presentation will also cover strategies for working with Mexican importers, distributors, and retailers, as well as navigating differences in logistics, compliance, and pricing across regions. A featured case study will offer firsthand insights from a successful Western U.S. exporter operating in Mexico. Participants will leave with actionable tips for preparing products for export, meeting regulatory and phytosanitary requirements, and building resilient market access strategies in the Mexican produce sector.Detailed Webinar Overview:1. Welcome & Objectives Intended Audience and Key TakeawaysThree lenses for the discussion: policy & rules, phytosanitary/compliance, and logistics & market timing.Quick poll: “Your #1 pain point to Mexico this season?”2. Snapshot – The Produce Trade Landscape Seasonality & corridors: PNW/CA/AZ ? Baja, Sonora, Sinaloa, Michoacán, Jalisco.Current high-movement commodities: avocados, berries, table grapes, tomatoes, onions, citrus, apples/pears.Recent market developments:Tomatoes: U.S. termination of the 2019 Tomato Suspension Agreement; ~17% AD duties on most Mexican tomatoes; Mexico’s new minimum export prices.Avocados/Mangoes: APHIS inspection suspensions in Michoacán due to inspector safety concerns, gradual resumption, and the importance of dual-state sourcing.3. Rules of the Road: USMCA, Duties, and Disputes USMCA essentials for produce (rules of origin basics, dispute mechanisms).Tomato case study: impact of AD duties and minimum export prices on pricing, contracts, and retail programs.Biotech & SPS precedent: U.S. win in the USMCA biotech corn dispute and its implications for science-based SPS measures in produce.Short Q&A: “Where policy touches your P&L.”4. Phytosanitary & Compliance: Keeping Loads Moving ToBRFV update (tomatoes/peppers): lifted requirements for fruit for consumption; stricter rules remain for propagative material.Border documentation checklist: commercial invoices, phytosanitary certificates, FDA PREDICT considerations.Risk controls: sanitation, lot coding, rapid response for inspection suspensions.5. Logistics & Go-to-Market: From Orchard to Retail Program Key ports of entry: Nogales, Otay Mesa, Calexico&mdashdifferences in wait times, infrastructure, and carrier capacity. Cold chain management: reefer set points, ethylene sensitivity, in-transit temp monitoring. Contracts & Incoterms: managing price volatility, surcharge clauses, claim windows.6. Case study: Insights and success stories7. Q&A (5 mins)Learning Outcomes:Identify the most recent policy and market developments impacting U.S.–Mexico produce trade, including anti-dumping duties on tomatoes, Mexico’s minimum export pricing measures, and phytosanitary inspection changes.Explain how USMCA provisions, dispute resolutions, and SPS measures influence produce exports and importer relationships.Recognize current phytosanitary and compliance requirements, including documentation and protocols for ToBRFV and other regulated pests.Evaluate key ports of entry, cold chain strategies, and transportation options to optimize cross-border shipments.Apply strategies for building relationships with Mexican importers, distributors, and retailers, tailored to regional market differences.Develop contingency plans for inspection suspensions, security-related disruptions, or sudden policy shifts.Analyze seasonal demand patterns and identify high-opportunity produce categories for export to Mexico.
Microsoft Teams
Sep 27, 2025
Produce Inbound Mission to ID & NV
Mexico Produce Inbound Trade MissionParticipate in WUSATA’s Mexico Produce Inbound Trade Mission from September 21-27, 2025.This is an excellent opportunity for Western U.S companies interested in meeting one-on-one with qualified produce buyers and expand export sales. In 2024 Mexico was the top agricultural export market for the U.S. reaching $30.3 billion a 7% increase from 2023. The inbound mission will connect buyers and suppliers via B2B meetings and site visits, guided tours of onion fields and packing sheds, giving you the opportunity to highlight your produce and learn buyer's needs and preferencesBenefits of Participation:The mission will allow suppliers to establish contact with international buyers, importers and distributors specifically interested in sourcing produce. Participants will also acquire up-to-date market intelligence, consumer preferences and trends.Itinerary:September 21–Travel to NevadaSeptember 22 – One-on-one meetings in Yerington, NevadaSeptember 23 – One-on-one meetings in Fallon, NevadaSeptember 24 – Travel to IdahoSeptember 25 – One-on-one meetings in Treasure Valley, IdahoSeptember 26 – One-on-one meetings in Treasure Valley, IdahoSeptember 27 - TravelRegistration Details:Registration Opens: Friday, May 16, 2025Suitable Products: OnionsDeadline: August 4, 2025Participation Fee: $50Passes Available: 5
Idaho & Nevada
Events
Aug 20, 2025
From Vine to Vendor: Navigating Current Challenges for U.S. Wine, Spirits, & Alcohol Exports to Canada
Aug 28, 2025
Southern California FundMatch Workshop & Roadshow
Aug 27, 2025
Fresh Paths: Navigating U.S.-Mexico Produce Trade
Sep 27, 2025
Produce Inbound Mission to ID & NV
Participant Success
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If you're just getting started, no worries!
Our programs are perfectly built to get your company where it needs to be. We can help grow your business internationally.
Our Members
WUSATA Members are the 13 Western State Departments of Agriculture, as well as the territorial departments in Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands.
All Members
Our Members
View All
WUSATA Members are the 13 Western State Departments of Agriculture, as well as the territorial departments in Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands.