Pathways to Global Partnerships - Michigan State University

Pathways to Global Partnerships Eric Abbott, Iowa State University Neonila Martyniuk, Agro-Soyuz Focus Small to medium-size businesses Globalization information to

increase trade and new opportunities Partners Extension Agro-Soyuz A joint stock private Ukrainian company

ACE Agricultural Communicators in Education Information Available Links, data, country information, export/import rules, tariffs and trade agreements FASonline Agricultural Exporter

Assistance website Farm Bureau websites State economic development sites Information Needed Concept publications identifying promising technologies, methods, and products Niche-based information on how to

connect a particular company desiring to export to a company that wants to import Private Sector Partner Agro-Soyuz Team to find relevant technologies Business network of 96 sites to distribute technologies and products

Training/demonstration center providing hands-on farmer opportunities Co-production capabilities Case Study Examples Grain bins and drying equipment Harrows Hoop structures

Milking equipment Anaerobic digesters Case Study Example: Grain Bins More than $2 million in grain bins imported from MFS York Stormor of Grand Island, Nebraska Need: Ukraine central government stopped buying grain, and market

prices bottomed at harvest time Case Study Example: Grain Bins Solution: U.S. Extension publications discuss benefits of grain bins to preserve crop and enhance marketing opportunities Contact with Canadian that led to direct talks with MFS York Stormor and

detailed discussions, including possible co-production. But Ukraine couldnt produce needed zinc outer coating. Case Study Example: Grain Bins Result: direct export sale to Agro-Soyuz First attempts to assemble imported bins were not successful. This led to idea of having export firms personally

visit Ukraine and provide training. It also led to idea of an on-site hands-on demonstration center. Now, 15,000 farmers have been trained Opportunities for Extension Match extension technology recommendations and best management practice materials

with opportunities for export. Perhaps collect and synthesize specialist materials and reshape as an export promotion device. Opportunities for Extension Serve as brokers linking small business technology producers, farmers and others to specific

individuals, companies or organizations in other countries. This niche development function is vital to export success. Example of one method: The SABIT program The Third Partner: ACE Assistance in production and

distribution of specialist concept materials Working through ACEs affiliate organizations in other countries Writing/distribution of success stories Use of ACE Website to exchange or showcase materials