RALEIGH, NC USA May 11, 2007 – Patrick Ford, international marketing director of Ford's Gourmet Food's, testified in front of the United States Congressional Subcommittee on Specialty Crops, Rural Development and Foreign Agriculture on Thursday, May 10th. Ford was asked by the office of Congressman Mike McIntyre, who represents North Carolina's Seventh Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives, to testify on behalf of the Southern United States Trade Associations (SUSTA) Market Access Program (MAP). The 2008 Farm Bill before the committee called for a $125 million increase in MAP funds.

This piece of legislation is especially important to small U.S. companies, because it offers financial assistance for the purpose of building brand-name recognition of U.S. agricultural-based products around the globe. The aim of the non-profit organization is to increase the export of southern U.S. food and agricultural products and to enhance the economic well-being of the region. Ford began his testimony by complimenting the program, “Although our company's growth in recent years into an internationally recognized gourmet food company ought to be testimony enough to the success of the MAP and FMD programs, it is important to understand the many ways in which these programs have been able to significantly increase our foreign trade in a relatively short time.”

SUSTA, simply put, a marketing partner for the small business. Ford's Gourmet Foods has received assistance in areas such as foreign labeling regulations and printing, advertising, market research, information on qualified buyers, trade show support, shipping costs, and product support.
Ford stressed to the committee the impact the funds have had in increasing the potential for export, “Most small businesses do not have the resources, time or money to fully investigate all the different export requirements.  It simply will not get done.

Ford was busy Wednesday and Thursday meeting with different Representatives and getting the underground tour of the Capitol. Although the mini-city was bustling as Representatives readied themselves for Thursday's vote on the war spending bill; Ford received the undivided attention of each member he met. He was given the opportunity to spread the word not only about how MAP funds have benefited the company but also about his family's award winning product line that includes Bone Suckin' Sauce.

Ford's testimony was charming and everything we have come to expect from this family. Ford concluded his statements by saying, I know that increasing MAP funding means a major investment in the future of exports for our country. I represent the small business. We get up early, stay late, and don't take days off. We do this to be able to seize opportunities. This is not only an opportunity, but a partnership between the US government and all small businesses.”

The Congressional Subcommittee on Specialty Crops, Rural Development and Foreign Agriculture expects to vote on the 2008 Farm Bill sometime in September. They have released a statement concerning the hearing Friday, May 11th. For more information please visit http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/agriculture_dem/pr_051107_SCRDFA_Trade_Aid.html

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About Ford's Gourmet Foods:

Ford's Gourmet Foods is a fifth-generation, Raleigh, NC-based family business, Ford's Gourmet Foods creates some of the world's greatest tasting all-natural foods. From the internationally acclaimed Bone Suckin' Sauces, Wine Nuts and Fire Dancer Jalapeño Peanuts to the new Earth Family Organics and Naturals and now A’Lese Tois chocolates, Ford’s is known to make only the best.
Ford's Gourmet Foods is a member of the Goodness Grows in North Carolina program and the Southern United States Trade Association (SUSTA), and the National Association of Specialty Foods Trade (NASFT).

About SUSTA Market Access Program(MAP):

The Market Access Program (MAP) was designed for businesses that desire financial support to build brand-name recognition of U.S. agriculture-based products around the globe.
The goal of the program is to build U.S. trade value and support small U.S. companies.  The program provides participants with up to 50% reimbursement for eligible marketing activities