CalAgX+ – California Center for International Trade Development

CHICO, CALIFORNIA

May 19, 2026 (In-Person)
Jun 2, 2026 (Online)
Jun 16, 2026 (In-Person)
Jun 30, 2026 (Online)
Jul 14, 2026 (Online)
Jul 28, 2026 (Online)
Aug 11, 2026 (In-Person)
Aug 25, 2026 (In-Person, B2B)

MODESTO, CALIFORNIA

May 20, 2026 (In-Person)
Jun 3, 2026 (Online)
Jun 17, 2026 (In-Person)
Jul 1, 2026 (Online)
Jul 15, 2026 (Online)
Jul 29, 2026 (Online)
Aug 12, 2026 (In-Person)
Aug 26, 2026 (In-Person, B2B)

BAKERSFIELD, CALIFORNIA

May 21, 2026 (In-Person)
Jun 4, 2026 (Online)
Jun 18, 2026 (In-Person)
Jul 2, 2026 (Online)
Jul 16, 2026 (Online)
Jul 30, 2026 (Online)
Aug 13, 2026 (In-Person)
Aug 27, 2026 (In-Person, B2B)

CalAgX+ Advanced Export Accelerator Training Program

Presented by the California Center for International Trade Development at State Center Community College District

CalAgX+ is an eight-session hybrid export acceleration program developed by the California Center for International Trade Development (CITD) for export-ready California specialty crop companies. Cohort 1 focuses on Dried Fruits & Nuts, with a maximum of 15 companies per location (Chico, Modesto, Bakersfield).

The program moves beyond introductory export education. It is structured to help companies transition from being export-capable to export-scalable through advanced training in:

Global market intelligence
Logistics and Incoterms® 2020
Export documentation and compliance
Market entry strategy and channel development
Export finance and profitability modeling
International contracting and distributor agreements
Cultural intelligence and negotiation strategy

The program culminates in direct B2B meetings with qualified international buyers, where participants apply their Export Action Plan in a live commercial setting.

Acknowledgement

Funding for the CalAgX+ Advanced Export Accelerator was made possible by a grant/cooperative agreement from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the USDA. It is presented by the California Center for International Trade Development at State Center Community College District.

Learning Objectives:

By the conclusion of CalAgX+, participating companies will be able to:

Identify and prioritize high-potential foreign markets using trade data tools.
Build a defensible export pricing model across multiple Incoterms® scenarios.
Map a complete agricultural export logistics pathway, including cost and risk exposure.
Develop compliant export documentation tailored to product type and target market.
Align channel strategy (importer, distributor, ingredient buyer, retail) with regulatory and margin considerations.
Construct a full landed-cost and profitability model.
Evaluate and negotiate international payment terms and financing tools.
Structure legally sound distributor and sales agreements.
Prepare and deliver a buyer-ready pitch aligned with international expectations.
Execute structured B2B meetings and develop a follow-up commercialization plan.

Participants complete a structured Export Action Plan, financial model, documentation checklist, and market entry strategy by program end.

Who Should Attend?

CalAgX+ is designed for export-ready California specialty crop companies, particularly those in the dried fruits and nuts sector for Cohort 1.

This program is ideal for companies that:

Have consistent production capacity and supply reliability.
Maintain required food safety and quality certifications.
Are prepared to commit internal resources to international growth.
Have leadership ready to participate in all eight sessions.
Are seeking direct access to international buyers.

This is not an introductory export program. Companies should already have foundational knowledge of exporting and be ready to operationalize international sales.

What Does “Export-Ready” Mean?

For purposes of CalAgX+, an export-ready company is a California-based specialty crop business that possesses the operational, regulatory, financial, and strategic capacity to initiate or expand international sales within the next 6–12 months.

Export-ready companies demonstrate readiness across four core areas:

Operational Capacity

Consistent commercial production with available export volume
Established quality control systems (e.g., food safety certifications, traceability)
Scalable fulfillment capability

Organizational Commitment

Dedicated staff responsible for export development
Leadership commitment to long-term international growth
Willingness to participate in trade missions and structured B2B meeting

To qualify for CalAgX+, companies should meet a majority of these readiness indicators, including confirmed specialty crop eligibility, operational export capacity, leadership commitment, and a defined target market.

CalAgX+ is designed for companies prepared to move from preparation to execution — from export interest to structured international growth.

Cost and Payment

CalAgX+ is funded in part through the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program.

Participation is limited to eligible, export-ready California specialty crop companies that meet program qualification standards.

REGISTRATION FEES

Due to grant subsidy support, the participant investment is $79 per person.

What the fee includes:

Access to all eight hybrid training sessions (in-person and live Zoom)
Structured templates and tools, including:
- Export Action Plan framework
- Target Market Brief template
- Export Cost & Landed Pricing Model
- Documentation Checklist tools
- Distributor evaluation worksheets
Hands-on exercises and live instructor feedback
Capstone in-person B2B meetings with qualified international buyers
Program materials and digital resources
Certificate of completion
Lunch provided during Session 8 (B2B meeting day)

Because space is limited to 15 companies per cohort location, registration is confirmed only after eligibility approval and receipt of payment. Full payment is required prior to Session 1 to secure participation.

Accepted payment methods may include:

Credit/debit card
Approved third-party sponsorships

Refund eligibility is subject to the Cancellation Policy outlined below.

In-Person & Online Logistics

CalAgX+ follows a structured hybrid delivery model:

Sessions 1, 3, 7, and 8: In-Person (Chico, Modesto, or Bakersfield)
Sessions 2, 4, 5, and 6: Live Zoom delivery

Sessions 1 – 7 run approximately 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM, with Session 8 running from 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM to accommodate the business-to-business meetings and certificate ceremony (lunch provided during Session 8).

Participants should plan for:

Active participation in hands-on exercises
Completion of assigned deliverables between sessions
Attendance at the in-person B2B Capstone meetings

Zoom links and in-person venue details will be provided upon enrollment.

How to Connect to the Online Class (Zoom)

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email and calendar invite containing the Zoom meeting link.
On the day of the training, open the calendar invite and click the Zoom link to join the session.
If you do not already have Zoom installed, you will be prompted to download the Zoom application or join through your web browser.
Please join the session 10–15 minutes early to test your audio and video settings.
Use a computer or tablet with a stable internet connection for the best experience.
Keep your microphone muted when not speaking and turn on your camera when possible to support engagement.
For technical assistance, contact our staff before the training starts.

Attendance FAQs

Q: Is attendance mandatory for all sessions?

A: Yes. The program is cumulative and performance-based. Missing sessions will impact your ability to participate in the final B2B meetings.

Q: Can multiple team members attend?

A: Yes. Companies are encouraged to include key decision-makers (e.g., sales, finance, operations). However, at least one consistent representative must attend all sessions.

Q. What deliverables are required?

A: Participants complete structured assignments including:

Target Market Brief
Export Cost Model
Documentation Checklist
Market Entry Strategy
Export Financial Model
Buyer Pitch Deck

Q: Are buyers guaranteed to place orders?

A: No. The B2B meetings provide qualified commercial engagement opportunities. Export outcomes depend on product-market fit, pricing, and negotiation performance.

Q: Will support continue after the program?

A: Yes. CITD advisors remain available to support post-meeting follow-up and market development strategy.

Q: What is the cancellation policy?

A: Please refer to our Cancellation Policy tab for detailed information.

CANCELLATION POLICY & REFUNDS

Cancellations must be received at least 5 working days before the course date for a refund, minus a $25 processing fee.
Cancellations made less than 5 working days before the course or failure to attend the training are non-refundable.
Refunds are not available after course materials have been distributed.
Substituting another attendee may be possible if arranged in advance—contact our office for details.

CANCELLATION FAQs

Can someone attend in my place?
Yes. Substitution of another qualified company representative may be permitted with advance approval. Please email frank.nunez@scccd.edu and rebecca.boyd@scccd.edu in advance with the replacement’s name and email address.

What if the staff member who registered has left my organization?
We understand that staffing changes occur. Cancellations and transfers will still follow the same policies listed above. Please contact frank.nunez@scccd.edu and rebecca.boyd@scccd.edu as soon as possible to arrange a transfer if needed.

QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS

Program Lead: Rebecca Boyd
Telephone: (559) 243-7532