Farm groups push Congress to strengthen agricultural export support programs
A broad coalition of agriculture organizations is urging lawmakers to fully fund important agricultural export promotion programs in the upcoming federal budget. The group, made up of more than 130 farm and commodity organizations, is focused on ensuring strong support for U.S. farmers in global markets.
The coalition has asked the House Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee to include full, mandatory funding for two key U.S. Department of Agriculture programs in the fiscal year 2027 agriculture appropriations bill.
These programs are the Market Access Program (MAP) and the Foreign Market Development Program (FMD). Both initiatives help promote U.S. agricultural products in international markets and expand export opportunities.
According to the coalition, these programs have proven to be effective and efficient investments. Private companies and farm groups work alongside the federal government to promote U.S. products overseas.
For every dollar of federal funding provided through MAP, the private sector contributes to $2.50. Similarly, for every dollar spent through FMD, private investment adds about $3.25. This strong partnership increases the overall impact of the programs.
The coalition believes continued funding is necessary to maintain and grow agricultural exports. Export markets play an important role in supporting farm incomes, especially during times of economic uncertainty.
By expanding demand for U.S. farm products abroad, these programs help create stable markets for producers at home.
Exports also support the broader U.S. economy. According to government data, agricultural exports generated more than $362 billion in economic output in 2023. This means that every dollar of agricultural exports created more than two dollars in additional domestic economic activity.
These benefits extend beyond farmers to rural communities, processors, transportation companies, and other related industries.
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