USDA Invests Over $203 Million to Boost U.S. Food and Ag Exports
Source: The DairyNews
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) is injecting more than $203 million into nearly 70 agricultural organizations, aiming to expand export markets for U.S. food and agricultural products.
The Market Access Program (MAP) and Foreign Market Development (FMD) program will channel these funds, with recipients including the U.S. Meat Export Federation, which focuses on increasing value and profit opportunities for U.S. beef, pork, and lamb. FAS Administrator Daniel B. Whitley emphasized the significant impact of these programs, citing a more than $24 increase in U.S. agricultural exports for every $1 invested in export market development.
Key Points:
First tranche of RAPP funding, $300 million, accepting applications until Feb 2.
Projects can span up to five years, encouraging exporters to invest in growing markets.
In summary, the USDA's substantial investment underscores its commitment to supporting U.S. food and agricultural exports, fostering growth, and ensuring a robust presence in both traditional and emerging markets. These programs play a pivotal role in strengthening the U.S. agricultural industry and contributing to overall economic resilience.
Key Points:
- Investment Distribution:
- MAP: $174.3 million for fiscal year 2024 to 68 nonprofit organizations and cooperatives.
- FMD: $27 million for fiscal year 2024 to 20 trade organizations representing U.S. agricultural producers.
- U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF):
- USMEF receives $12.8 million in MAP funds and $988,000 in FMD funds.
- Focus on increasing value and profit opportunities for U.S. beef, pork, and lamb.
- Impact on U.S. Agricultural Exports:
- 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, strengthening the economy across the entire United States.
- MAP Utilization:
- Organizations use MAP funds for consumer promotion, brand promotion for small companies, and cooperatives.
- Extensive use in promoting fruits, vegetables, nuts, processed products, and bulk and intermediate commodities.
- FMD Program Focus:
- Generic promotion of U.S. commodities, emphasizing entire industry representation.
- Preference for nationwide organizations with a broad membership scope.
- Organizations contribute more than $2.50 for every $1 in federal funding received.
- Regional Agricultural Promotion Program (RAPP):
- Complements MAP and FMD, offering $1.2 billion to help exporters reach non-traditional markets.
- Aims to establish, build, and grow exporters' presence in markets with increased demand for U.S. products.
- Application Window for RAPP:
First tranche of RAPP funding, $300 million, accepting applications until Feb 2.
Projects can span up to five years, encouraging exporters to invest in growing markets.
In summary, the USDA's substantial investment underscores its commitment to supporting U.S. food and agricultural exports, fostering growth, and ensuring a robust presence in both traditional and emerging markets. These programs play a pivotal role in strengthening the U.S. agricultural industry and contributing to overall economic resilience.
