State partnerships drive new opportunities for U.S. food and agricultural exporters

CHICAGO, IL (October 19, 2026) — Strong agricultural partnerships are essential to helping American food and agricultural businesses compete and succeed in international markets. Food Export USA brought together state agriculture leaders, federal partners, U.S. suppliers, and international market experts for its 2026 Fall State Member Meeting, held October 7–8 in Chicago. Among those helping lead the discussions was Randy Romanski, Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) and president of Food Export–Midwest’s Board of Directors.

Secretary Romanski helped open the two-day gathering, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between Food Export–Midwest and Food Export–Northeast and continued support for their shared mission of helping U.S. businesses expand internationally. His participation
reflected the important role Wisconsin and its fellow member states play in strengthening agricultural exports and creating new opportunities for food and agricultural businesses.

“Secretary Romanski’s leadership reflects the commitment our state agriculture partners bring to helping American businesses grow beyond their home markets,” said Brendan Wilson, CEO of Food Export. “Wisconsin has a strong agricultural and food manufacturing community, and through our partnership with the state, we’re able to connect more businesses with the resources, relationships, and international opportunities they need to succeed.”

Guided by the theme Homegrown & Succeeding Abroad, the meeting highlighted the people, partnerships, and programs helping American businesses build on their success at home to grow around the world. From the presentations and collaborative discussions to the meeting’s
branding and personal touches, the theme reinforced a shared commitment to making international growth more accessible for U.S. suppliers.

The meeting opened with Wilson’s reflections on Food Export’s mission and future, followed by Secretary Romanski’s remarks and a presentation by USDA Foreign Agricultural Service International Trade Specialist Ammara Bokhari. Her presentation, Growing America’s Export Future, emphasized the importance of agricultural exports to American businesses and communities and the critical role of state and federal partnerships in developing the next generation of U.S. exporters.

A Growth & Outreach panel moderated by Chief Growth Officer Trish James explored how Food Export is strengthening supplier recruitment, export readiness, and marketing efforts to reach more businesses with international potential. The International Marketing Program (IMP) and Branded Program teams highlighted innovations in export education, targeted buyer engagement, importer relationships, and personalized participant support, all designed to make the exporter journey more accessible and effective.

State members and Food Export staff also came together for collaborative discussions focused on shared trade priorities, opportunities for multi-state coordination, and new approaches to strengthening outreach and engagement with businesses in their home states. These
conversations helped identify opportunities to work more closely together in 2027 and beyond. One of the meeting’s highlights was a Supplier Perspectives Panel featuring Dr. Sonat Birnecker Hart of KOVAL Distillery, Nicole Gordon of NIKIGO Sauce LLC, and Tom Morse of Zolli Candy. Moderated by Food Export Liaison Coordinator Edwin Olivieri, the discussion brought together three distinct export journeys, illustrating how companies at different stages of growth can benefit from international market development, buyer connections, and ongoing support.

“Every supplier has a different starting point, different challenges, and different ambitions,” said Wilson. “Our responsibility is to listen, understand what they need, and connect them with the people and opportunities that can move their business forward. That’s what Homegrown & Succeeding Abroad is all about.”


The second day brought a more global perspective, with Senior Advisor for Market Intelligence Dennis Lynch examining trade policy developments, economic conditions, and emerging export opportunities. An In-Market Representatives Panel, moderated by IMP Manager Ben Cortese, offered firsthand insights into international buyer relationships, market trends, and opportunities for U.S. suppliers.


The meeting concluded with Chief Operating Officer Michelle Rogowski sharing how Food Export is preparing for its next chapter, focusing on strengthening the organization and creating a more connected, streamlined experience for exporters and state partners.

For Wisconsin’s food and agricultural businesses, the meeting reinforced an important message: international growth is supported by a strong network of state, federal, and industry partners working together. Through Food Export–Midwest and its partnership with DATCP,
businesses can access export education, market development assistance, and connections with qualified international buyers to help expand their reach beyond U.S. borders. From the opening remarks to the final conversations, Homegrown & Succeeding Abroad
reflected Food Export’s greatest strength: the people, partnerships, and shared purpose helping American businesses turn local success into global opportunity.

About Food Export USA

Driven by a mission to help U.S. food and agricultural companies compete and succeed globally, Food Export Association of the Midwest USA (Food Export–Midwest) and Food Export USA–Northeast (Food Export–Northeast) are nonprofit organizations that support U.S.
exporters in starting and expanding international sales. In partnership with the agricultural promotion agencies of 23 member states, Food Export delivers exporter education, market entry support, and targeted promotion to connect U.S. suppliers with qualified international buyers and grow demand for U.S.-grown and U.S.-made food, agricultural, and seafood products. The organizations are funded through the Market Access Program, administered by the USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service.

To partner with us or learn more, visit foodexport.org or email info@foodexport.org.