The Market Access Program (MAP), (click title to entry - thank you) formerly the Market Promotion Program, uses funds from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) to help U.S. producers, exporters, private companies, and other trade organizations finance promotional activities for U.S. agricultural products. The MAP encourages the development, maintenance, and expansion of commercial export markets for agricultural commodities. Activities financed include consumer promotions, market research, technical assistance, and trade servicing.
Now, I don't know what Mr. Pappas understands about the 'idea' that the USA feeds the world, but, it comes darn close. I also don't understand what Mr. Pappas understands about marketing, but, he needs to speak to the California Governor, Ahnold Schwarzenegger about his trip to Japan and Asia to promote the sale of California Produce.
IT DOESN'T SELL ITSELF by pure reputation alone. USA agricultural commodities have to be marketed just like any other product and believe me the farmer isn't do that. The farmer takes their commodities to a market and 'gets a check.' What happens from there is up to the 'commodity handlers' to decide.
I don't believe I have to say this, but, California is about the sixth largest economy IN THE WORLD. I think it is important there is a program within the INFRASTRUCTURE somewhere that actually takes that seriously.
