Food Export-Northeast: Helping Northeast Suppliers Navigate Global Markets and Expand with International Sales

Volume 19, Issue 
September 2025

With all the news of tariffs and trade disputes between the United States and its business partners around the world, it might not seem like an ideal time to explore export opportunities. However, recent and ongoing negotiations may actually open new markets for U.S. exports.

The United States exports billions of dollars of agricultural goods around the world every year. U.S. products are in high demand internationally due to their quality, consistency and the high food safety standards. While many of those exports take the form of bulk commodities, a significant portion of them are value-added and specialty products from farm, forest and fishery producers large and small. However, the complex trade restrictions, logistics and the strong value of the dollar can make exporting a challenge.

To help navigate the complexities of exporting, Food Export-Northeast is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping U.S. suppliers — particularly small- and medium-sized companies — expand their international reach. In partnership with the USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS), Food Export has spent over five decades connecting U.S. food and agricultural businesses to global buyers through education, market entry support, and cost-share funding.  

Specifically, Food Export-Northeast serves all states in Farm Credit East’s territory. To be eligible for Food Export programs, suppliers must be headquartered in one of the participating states, be a small business as defined by the U.S. Small Business Administration and be exporting U.S.-origin products made with at least 50% U.S. agricultural content.  Whether you are an experienced exporter who would like to do more, or a producer looking to explore the potential of overseas markets, the following information outlines resources provided by Food Export-Northeast to help producers navigate export markets.

Food Export places a strong focus on value-added products. From specialty foods and beverages to health products, prepared meals, and processed goods, companies offering consumer-ready, shelf-stable products often see the greatest benefit.

Exporter Education Programs

Food Export’s comprehensive Exporter Education programs provide in-depth learning opportunities including online courses, webinars, market research and personalized consultations. Upcoming webinars include:

• September 17: Food Export Documentation and Procedures
• October 1: Preparing to Meet International Buyers
• October 22: Food Export 2026 Program Year Overview
• November 12: Food Export Roadmap for beginnings and experienced exporters

Export Navigator Service

One-on-one coaching and customized guidance is provided through Food Export’s Export Navigator Service. This service pairs U.S. suppliers with experts who help develop market strategies, assess product readiness, and identify suitable Food Export programs. It’s a powerful first step for any business working on international expansion. 

Support for Niche Sectors

Food Export offers specialized support for niche sectors. The Seafood Program, managed by Food Export– Northeast, helps promote sustainably harvested, wild-caught seafood from the Northeast U.S. Through promotions, buyers’ missions and education, the program supports seafood processors and harvesters in finding new markets overseas.

Similarly, the Wood Products Program is tailored to forestry suppliers across the Northeast region. From lumber and logs to value-added goods like cabinetry and home décor, the program helps wood product companies connect with international buyers and stay on top of market trends. 

Export Programs

In addition to education and sector-specific assistance, Food Export offers a full suite of export programs designed to meet suppliers where they are in their export journey.

Branded Program: Provides up to 50% cost reimbursement for eligible international marketing expenses — such as advertising, packaging, trade show fees and website localization — making global promotion more attainable for small- and medium-sized businesses. 

Buyer Missions and Trade Missions: Gives U.S. companies direct access to qualified international buyers through one-on-one meetings held in the U.S. and abroad. These events allow companies to build relationships, gain real- time market feedback and create export sales opportunities. 

Export Intelligence: Food Export also emphasizes the importance of export intelligence, including market research, industry analysis and buyer trends, to help suppliers make informed decisions and uncover new opportunities. Through tools like Market Builder, companies receive customized insights and contact lists based on their product and target market. Virtual Consultations are an ideal tool to tap into the expertise of Food Export’s network of In-Market Representatives (IMRs). These 30-minute one-on-one video consultations are meant to help you explore questions related to export plans, market expansion, and in-market distribution. 

Next Steps

For many small to mid-sized companies, the most limiting factor to exporting can be the time and financial resources required. It can take years to develop relationships in international markets before a sale is made, so it certainly requires time and dedication.

As with any sales activity, it’s important to understand demand, product limitations and competition for the markets you’re working in. Doing business internationally presents unique challenges, such as language barriers, cultural differences and even differences in the way business is conducted. In addition to Food Export Northeast, many industry organizations offer services to help producers and processors enter international markets.

Within the Farm Credit System, CoBank has a division dedicated to providing financing for U.S. agricultural exports. CoBank’s services have been used predominately for bulk commodity exports, but have also been used for value-added products, and are an essential tool to grow exports and maintain key export markets.

Whether you're a seafood harvester, specialty food producer, or forestry supplier, Food Export provides the expertise, tools and connections to grow your business globally.

Additionally, each Northeast state has a dedicated State Member who serves as a local resource.

Editor: Chris Laughton

Contributors: Chris Laughton & Bonita Oehlke, Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources

View previous editions of the KEP

Farm Credit East Disclaimer: The information provided in this communication/newsletter is not intended to be investment, tax, or legal advice and should not be relied upon by recipients for such purposes. Farm Credit East does not make any representation or warranty regarding the content, and disclaims any responsibility for the information, materials, third-party opinions, and data included in this report. In no event will Farm Credit East be liable for any decision made or actions taken by any person or persons relying on the information contained in this report.

Tags: ag economy, ag retail, policy, export