Flying Business Class

Q: I like to fly business class when I travel internationally. Can I be reimbursed for the cost of my business class airline ticket when traveling on an activity for which I will request Branded reimbursement?

A: When requesting reimbursement for travel to an international trade show or approved trade mission, travelers must fly on a U.S. carrier leaving from the states and returning to the states. Travelers will be reimbursed up to 50% of the cost of a full fare coach/economy class ticket. Therefore, business or first class travelers must submit a quotation of the coach/economy class fare. The quote must be obtained around the same date the business or first class ticket was purchased. The quote cannot be submitted after the trip takes place.

Is an Unlisted Activity Reimbursable?

Q: I don't see my promotional activity on the list of eligible expenses at www.susta.org/services/map.html. Are these the only types of expenses that can be reimbursed?

A: The list of eligible expenses on SUSTA's website includes some of the promotional activities reimbursable under MAP Branded; however, there are others. If you are uncertain whether an activity is eligible, contact the Branded Department to determine whether you can receive reimbursement for a specific activity.

2009 Branded Application Opens August 1

The MAP Branded application for the 2009 program year (January 1-December 31) will become available starting August 1, 2008. Visit www.susta.org/services/map_application.html for more information about eligibility and application materials. Check back soon for more news about applying for international marketing funds for next year!

Oh, No! I Forgot a Photo!

Q: I forgot to take a photograph of my booth at a trade show, and now I need proof of performance to be reimbursed for the activity. Is there any way I can still meet the Branded proof of performance requirements and receive funds for the show?

A: Companies are required to submit a photograph of the products displayed in the booth at the trade show. Photos must also clearly show the required U.S. origin identification. Therefore, it is important the Branded Department has photographs when reviewing expenses because of the following:

• Many times companies are listed in the trade show catalog or an empty booth is present at the show, but the company decided not to exhibit after all.
• A company may be promoting brands or products that are not listed in their approved Branded application. When this occurs, expenses must be prorated.

Per Diem Rates

Q: Where can I find the per diem rates for lodging, meals and incidental expenses?

A: The per diem rates can be found on the U.S. Department of State's website at the following link:
http://aoprals.state.gov/web920/per_diem.asp

Travel Notification Forms

Q: Where do I send the Travel Notification Form prior to my activity?

A: In order to receive Branded reimbursement for an activity, the Travel Notification Form must be sent to the appropriate Foreign Agricultural Service post prior to travel. The Foreign Agricultural Service overseas offices can be found using the following link:
www.fas.usda.gov/scriptsw/fasfield/ovs_directory_search.asp

Printed Sales Materials

Q: I do not have any printed sales materials available in other languages, and I have Branded activities scheduled for markets where I do not speak the language. Can I create new materials for these upcoming promotions and request Branded reimbursement?

A: A company can be reimbursed for printed sales materials for the markets approved in their Branded application. All promotional materials in a foreign language must show an English translation. Therefore, a company should submit the English version of the materials along with the foreign printed sales materials. If a company has not submitted a Branded application and been approved for a certain market, an Activity Plan Amendment Request (APAR) form must be completed and approved by the Branded Department before the promotional activity takes place.