New "STEP" for agricultural Exporters

NEW “STEP” FOR AGRICULTURAL EXPORTERS

Saskatchewan’s agricultural exporters will soon have new tools and services to help them reach the world with their products.

The Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership (STEP) is restructuring to better serve existing members and attract new ones. Those changes include moving to a sector-based approach rather than a geographic approach.

The three sectors being focused on are manufacturing, technology and services, and agri-value.

The agri-value sector includes animal feeds and veterinary products, seeds, specialty crops, organic products, livestock and animal products, processed food and beverages, nutraceuticals and functional foods, and bio-fuels and bio-refining.

Approximately 50 per cent of STEP members are in the agricultural sector.

STEP President and CEO Dale Botting says the move is about strengthening existing tools and expanding the slate of services that STEP provides to its more than 254 exporting members and 122 companies who service exporters.

“The big change here is our focus on sectors, rather than basing our work on geographic locations. That means more streamlined service for our members,” said Botting.

“Another important component of this restructuring is the creation of the Export Services Division. The new division expands what we do for our members, well beyond trade development. It will co-ordinate all of our international finance and logistics counselling services, as well as expand existing programs and develop new programs and services,” said Botting.

The restructuring follows consultation with the STEP membership, staff and management. Botting says the changes are a direct response to that feedback.

“It’s important for STEP to respond to our members’ needs, as well as to attract new members. This restructuring gives us the tools to do just that. We feel we have done a good job in the past – now it’s time to be great,” said Botting.

The restructuring includes a more proactive approach to member contact and networking. One aspect of this new approach is now underway, as STEP begins a series of regional meetings.

STEP is a non-profit, membership-driven, government/industry partnership designed to promote the growth of Saskatchewan’s export industry. STEP helps provincial businesses realize global marketing opportunities through specially tailored services and programs. STEP pursues growth in existing foreign markets and opens doors to new ones. Members include both businesses that are experienced, and those that are new to international trade.

For more information, contact:
Dale Botting, President and CEO
Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership
Phone: (306) 221-1785