USDA Awards Funds to Help Expand Export Markets for U.S. Food and Ag Products
USDA's Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) is awarding more than $203 million to nearly 70 agricultural organizations to help expand export markets for U.S. food and agricultural products via the Market Access Program (MAP) and Foreign Market Development (FMD) program.
The U.S. Meat Export Federation, which works to increase the value and profit opportunities for U.S. beef, pork and lamb, received $12.8 million in MAP funds and $988,000 in FMD funds.
“Over the years we have seen the tremendous impact both MAP and FMD have on expanding U.S. exports to markets across the globe,” FAS Administrator Daniel B. Whitley said in a release. “For each $1 invested in export market development, U.S. agricultural exports have increased by more than $24. These programs provide a significant boost to the U.S. agricultural industry, which in turn helps strengthen the economy not just in rural communities, but across the entire United States.”
FAS will provide $174.3 million for fiscal year 2024 through MAP to 68 nonprofit organizations and cooperatives. These organizations use the funds on consumer promotion, including brand promotion for small companies and cooperatives, and the funding is used extensively by organizations promoting fruits, vegetables, nuts, processed products and bulk and intermediate commodities, USDA notes. The average MAP participant provides more than $2.50 in contributions for every $1 in federal funding it receives through the program, USDA adds.
Under the FMD program, FAS will allocate $27 million for fiscal year 2024 to 20 trade organizations that represent U.S. agricultural producers.
"The program focuses on generic promotion of U.S. commodities, rather than consumer–oriented promotion of branded products. Preference is given to organizations that represent an entire industry or are nationwide in membership and scope. The organizations, which contribute on average more than $2.50 for every $1 in federal funding they receive through the program, will conduct activities that help maintain or increase demand for U.S. agricultural commodities overseas," USDA says in a release.
Late last year, USDA also announced a new fund that complements the fiscal year 2024 funds. The new Regional Agricultural Promotion Program (RAPP) will provide $1.2 billion to help exporters reach non-traditional markets and ensure continuity of relationships and trust in existing markets. RAPP complements MAP and FMD by encouraging exporters to establish, build and grow their presence in markets with increased demand for U.S. products and growing middle classes. Applications for the first tranche of RAPP funding, $300 million, are being accepted through Feb. 2. Applicants will be able to apply for projects that last up to five years.
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