In-store Promotions* - Take advantage of in-store promotions that are organized by the department of agriculture's marketing staff. From the largest tossed salad to an 8' giant sundae to a sweet corn eating contest, these events help increase consumer awareness of Ohio raised, grown, and processed products.

In-store Demonstrations* - Give consumers a taste of your products by participating in in-store demonstrations. You pay a $50 participation fee which helps to cover the cost of two demonstrations at any of 30 participating Ohio retail stores. Demonstrations take place in the spring and fall.

Restaurant Promotions* - Highlight Ohio products in local restaurants to increase sales. Use the OHIO PROUD logo on menus and feature your company products on table tents.

Point-of-Purchase Materials* - 75% of 400 Ohioans surveyed say they prefer to purchase Ohio products if they knew the product was from Ohio. Satisfy the consumers' preference by using OHIO PROUD point-of-purchase materials, such as shelf-tags, stickers, tree tags, static stickers and more with your products. These items are available to member companies at cost.

Networking Opportunities - One of the best benefits of the OHIO PROUD program is networking with other Ohio companies. Learn what other companies are doing, how they've succeeded, and develop business relationships that pay.

Heartland Cuisine - A series of cooking demonstrations, which showcase Ohio agriculture and food products, take place four times a day at the Ohio State Fair. This program is a cooperative effort between the Ohio Department of Agriculture, Ohio's commodity associations, and several Ohio agribusinesses. Consumers sample various recipes and receive a free cookbook, including recipes from each of the participating chefs, featuring OHIO PROUD products.

Seminars/Workshops - Participate in seminars/workshops developed to educate Ohio agribusinesses about sales, marketing, and strategic planning in the business world.

Farmers Market Directory - A guide to help consumers purchase Ohio products, the directory provides a listing of markets throughout the state organized by the county in which they are located.

OHIO PROUD Program - Created in 1993 by Governor Voinovich, OHIO PROUD is the Department's signature marketing program developed to promote food and agricultural products that are at least 50% raised, grown, or processed in the state of Ohio. A $100 license fee allows agribusinesses to use the distinctive green and black registered trademarked logo on their products.

OHIO PROUD Chef of the Year - This competition, modeled after the Iron Chef, features four Ohio chefs competing head-to-head for the title of "OHIO PROUD Chef of the Year." The winning chef makes guest appearances at special events and on television stations all across Ohio promoting Ohio raised, grown, and processed products.

* Special benefits available only through membership in OHIO PROUD. OHIO PROUD membership costs $100 per calendar year.

Access to Exporters and Buyers - Meet and network with exporters of U.S. agricultural products through ODA organized and led buyer's missions and trade missions.

International Trade Missions - Travel overseas to get a first-hand look at opportunities to market your products.

Reverse Buying Missions - Ohio agribusinesses host foreign buyers who visit Ohio throughout the year to build profitable relationships in international markets.

Trade Leads from International Buyers - Receive trade leads when someone across the globe is looking for a product you have to sell.

Access to Funding - Federal funds financially support international program activities and offset individual participants' costs for trade missions. Applications for federal FSMIP grants must be submitted through ODA on behalf of the organization requesting funding. 

Market Research - Find out how your products might fare in 90 international markets with market information accessible from our worldwide network of marketing specialist in our 10 Ohio Department of Development offices and USDA - Foreign Agriculture Service Offices.

Introduction to International Buyers - Meet your best sales prospects through buyer's missions and trade missions.

Access to Food Export Helpline - Ohio companies may qualify for assistance through the Food Export Help Line, which can help you identify your top 25 markets, help find and respond to trade leads, assist with export pricing and quotations, explain export documentation and correspondence, understand NAFTA rules and regulations, make export payments and collections, provide secondary market research, locate export providers and referrals, and assist with trade event preparation. This is made possible through ODA's membership in MIATCO on behalf of Ohio food and agriculture companies.

Assess Your Export Readiness - Ohio companies can access expansive and detailed step-by-step information on how to export. This is made possible through ODA's membership in MIATCO on behalf of Ohio food and agriculture companies.

International Trade Shows Located in U.S. - Many trade shows in the United States attract buyers from around the world, which presents Ohio companies with export opportunities without having to travel overseas. There are opportunities for one-on-one meetings which can provide valuable feedback and trade opportunities.  

Individual Export Counseling - Our staff of experienced trade specialists can assist your food and agriculture company with its exporting questions. If we can't answer your question, we will help you locate the people or agencies that can.   

Branded Program - Access cost-share funding to promote products internationally. Participants in this federally-funded program receive 50 percent cost reimbursement for certain overseas marketing and promotional expenses. Contact us to determine if your company qualifies. This is made possible through ODA's membership in MIATCO on behalf of Ohio food and agriculture companies.

Ohio Agriculture's No. 1 International Resource - The ODA Division of Markets should be your first source for information on marketing your food or agricultural products in foreign markets.

Industry Calendar of Events

If you produce a food or agricultural product that is at least 50 percent grown, raised or processed in Ohio, you can become an OHIO PROUD partner. Eligible products include meats and condiments, processed foods and frozen entrees, and non-food items such as wood, wool, and animal feeds.

Three in four Ohio consumers indicate a preference to buy Ohio-grown and -produced products. OHIO PROUD will distinguish your products in the crowded marketplace, and increase sales for your company and retailer.

As a member of OHIO PROUD you become a partner with the Ohio Department of Agriculture which helps to promote food and agricultural businesses resulting in increased product exposure and sales through a variety of cost-effective marketing resources.