The U.S. Department of Agriculture has opened applications to agricultural leaders interested in a trade mission to Hong Kong and Shanghai. Although the mission is a part of USDA’s Women in Agriculture initiative, applications are open to both women and men. The mission will take place September 7-15, 2016.

It is designed to help female agricultural leaders gather market intelligence, develop strategies for market expansion and foster key partnerships in Hong Kong and China. Hong Kong markets rely on imports for 95 percent of their food supply, and China represents the second-largest agriculture export market for the United States, next to Canada.

Applications are due by July 20.

For more information, contact Beth Hughes, IDFA director of international affairs, at bhughes@idfa.org.