http://www.fas.usda.gov/agx/buying_us/export_questionnaire.asp
Part of the extensive ag export materials available to US agribusinesses from the Foreign Agriculture Service of the US Department of Agriculture, this link offers potential exporters a brief self-assessment of their ability to export.
http://www.fas.usda.gov/agx/basics/export_basics.asp
http://www.fas.usda.gov/agx/exporter_assistance.asp
From the same source, the “Export Basics: Articles” and “Selling U.S. Products” respectively provide excellent introductory resources to beginning exporters.
http://www.fas.usda.gov/scriptsw/attacherep/default.asp
A final USDA site permits a search of overseas attaché reports by product or country.
http://www.agriculture.state.pa.us/agriculture/cwp/view.asp?a=3&q=126486
The Business and Industry Page of the PA Department of Agriculture is a useful directory to agribusinesses for information and services, especially the funding sources under “Business Assistance,”
“Marketing Programs” for commodity producers and “Hardwoods & Forestry” for the hardwoods industry.
http://www.agriculture.state.pa.us/papreferred/cwp/view.asp?a=3&q=140080
This page outlines the PA Preferred program and enrolling qualifications. The link near the bottom of the page provides program registration standards and trademark information.
The Food Marketing Institute of retail grocers and associates businesses offers companies interested in selling retail food products a variety of valuable information about the retail food business, specific studies on industry segments and food safety issues.
http://barcodes.gs1us.org/dnn_bcec/Home/tabid/36/Default.aspx
This site provides information on obtaining a UPC bar code from GS1 (Global Standard) which first requires joining GS1, then obtaining the UPC code(s) for your products.
The website for the National Restaurant Association has useful links for researching restaurants, food safety & nutrition and consumption trends. Some pages of the website are accessible only to members. The news releases are generally available.
http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/label.html
The food labeling page of the US Food & Drug Administration details the labeling requirements for food products sold in the US.
http://www.penntap.psu.edu/default-staff.asp?cat_id=6
Technical production questions, co-packing, packaging issues and kitchen incubator location can by addressed by contacting PENNTAP (Pennsylvania Technical Assistance Program).
http://foodsafety.psu.edu/processor/resources.htm
For both start-ups and existing agribusinesses, the Penn State University Food Entrepreneur Resource site is a valuable portal to information on food safety, incubators, co-packers and service providers for the food industry.
Scott and Kristen Hertzog
Hertzog Homestead Bed and Breakfast
When Scott and Kristen Hertzog started a bed & breakfast out of their home in 2004, they only had two rooms dedicated to guests. Now with new renovations of their barn, the Hertzog's hopes are expanding along with their business.
Presently, the Hertzog Homestead is reaching new numbers of guests; the Hertzogs are beginning a journey of converting their vacant barn into bed & breakfast suites. KU SBDC is helping them reach this peak through consulting and financial guidance. Read More