Exhibiting at Thaifex - Anuga Asia 2025

The Western United States Agricultural Trade Association (WUSATA), headquartered in Vancouver, Washington, USA, is a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing global market access for agricultural and food companies based in the western United States. Since its inception in 1980, WUSATA has been a strategic force in connecting regional agribusinesses with international buyers, promoting U.S. agricultural exports through education, funding support, and trade facilitation.

Core Business

WUSATA’s mission is to assist agribusinesses from its 13-member states in successfully entering and expanding in global markets. The organization partners with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) to administer export development programs that empower producers, processors, and exporters to compete internationally.

Product and Service Offerings

WUSATA provides a range of services and programs designed to support companies at every stage of the export journey:

• Export Education

  • Seminars, webinars, and workshops on trade regulations, labeling, and documentation
  • Customized guidance for new-to-export firms

• FundMatch Program

  • 50% reimbursement of eligible international marketing expenses
  • Supports activities like packaging adaptation, website localization, advertising, and trade show participation

• Global Connect Program

  • Trade missions, buyer meetings, in-market promotions, and virtual showcases
  • Facilitates direct business-to-business matchmaking between Western U.S. suppliers and foreign buyers

• Market Intelligence

  • Country-specific reports and consumer trend analyses
  • Access to trade leads, distributor directories, and USDA databases

These initiatives help companies mitigate risk, reduce export costs, and access valuable international networks.

Specialization and Core USP

WUSATA’s core strength lies in its region-specific approach to export promotion. Unlike national-level programs, WUSATA tailors its services to the unique characteristics and agricultural output of the western U.S., which includes a wide range of specialty crops, organic produce, and high-value food products.

Their key value proposition is the combination of funding assistance, trade access, and personalized support, making global trade more accessible for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Financials and Export Impact

As a non-profit funded through USDA’s Market Access Program (MAP) and state partners, WUSATA does not operate for profit. However, its economic impact is measurable through export facilitation data:

• Annual Program Reach (2023): Over 1,000 companies served
• Export Sales Generated (2022 Estimate): Over $200 million
• Trade Events Supported: More than 60 events globally including Foodex Japan, SIAL, and Gulfood
• Top Product Categories Supported: Nuts, fruits, vegetables, beverages, seafood, natural/organic foods

WUSATA has also helped Western U.S. companies expand into over 70 international markets including Japan, South Korea, China, Mexico, Canada, and the UAE.

Target Market

WUSATA’s primary stakeholders include:

• Small and mid-sized agribusinesses located in the 13 Western states (including California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Utah, and Colorado)
• Producers and processors of food and agricultural products aiming to enter global markets
• Export-ready firms in need of marketing funding or trade exposure
• Foreign buyers and distributors seeking premium U.S. agricultural goods

Capabilities

The organization offers unmatched access to:

• USDA-supported market development programs
• On-the-ground foreign trade representatives in key global markets
• Virtual and in-person trade missions
• Bilingual staff and customized support per market

WUSATA’s online portal enables businesses to manage applications, submit reimbursements, and register for events efficiently.

Certifications and Compliance

• Administers USDA Market Access Program (MAP) Funds
• Aligned with U.S. Foreign Agricultural Service Export Development Policies
• Compliant with Federal Grants Management Guidelines

All program activities are overseen for transparency, equity, and measurable export outcomes.

Customer Testimonials

“WUSATA’s FundMatch program helped us localize our packaging for Asia and attend trade shows that we could not have afforded otherwise.”
— Carla D., Oregon-based Organic Snack Producer

“The buyer meetings arranged through WUSATA led directly to our first distribution agreement in Japan.”
— Jim S., California Nut Exporter

Major Achievements

• 2023: Expanded virtual trade offerings post-COVID with hybrid global connect events
• 2022: Helped generate over $200M in export sales from member companies
• 2021: Launched new online platform streamlining exporter registration and program management
• 2019: Celebrated 40 years of export development and industry service

WUSATA continues to be an essential partner for Western U.S. agricultural exporters, leveraging strategic partnerships, USDA resources, and industry insights to promote sustainable global trade growth and regional economic development.