New Trade Promotion Funding Expands Global Reach

USDA Boosts Export Markets for American Farmers

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced additional support for American farmers and producers through the America First Trade Promotion Program. The initiative aims to expand export markets for U.S. food and agricultural products and strengthen the global position of American agriculture. 

“USDA’s market development programs have a proven record of delivering for our farmers, ranchers and producers,” said Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Luke J. Lindberg.  

“Partnering with industry opens new doors for trade, strengthening our position in the global marketplace and advancing the Trump Administration’s priority of keeping American agriculture competitive, resilient and ready to meet growing global demand,” said Lindberg. 

The funding will be administered by the USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service and will support key market development programs, including the Market Access Program and the Foreign Market Development Program.  

Starting in fiscal year 2027, USDA will receive an additional $285 million annually under the Working Families Tax Cuts. The AFTPP funding announced now serves as an early investment to support exporters and build future success. 

USDA officials stated that market development programs have a proven record of helping farmers, ranchers, and producers compete in international markets. These programs work closely with industry partners to open new trade opportunities and strengthen long‑term relationships with global buyers. 

Expanding market access remains a top priority for USDA. The program supports growth in existing markets while opening new opportunities, ensuring that high‑quality U.S. agricultural products reach consumers worldwide. 

As part of this effort, funding will be provided to 55 nonprofit organizations and cooperatives. The list of awardees for the AFTPP includes:  

• Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute 

• Almond Board of California 

• American Feed Industry Association 

• American Peanut Council 

• American Pecan Council 

• American Pistachio Growers 

• American Sheep Industry Association 

• American Soybean Association 

• Blue Diamond Growers 

• Brewers Association, Inc. 

• California Agricultural Export Council 

• California Cherry Marketing Research Board 

• California Olive Committee 

• California Pear Advisory Board 

• California Prune Board 

• California Table Grape Commission 

• California Walnut Commission 

• Cal-Pure Produce Inc. 

• Cotton Council International 

• Distilled Spirits Council 

• Florida Tomato Committee 

• Food Export Association Midwest USA 

• Food Export USA NE 

• Ginseng Board of Wisconsin 

• Leather and Hide Council of America 

• National Association of State Departments of Agriculture 

• National Industrial Hemp Council 

• National Potato Promotion Board 

• National Watermelon Promotion Board 

• North American Export Grain Association 

• North American Renderers Association 

• Northwest Wine Promotion Coalition 

• Organic Trade Association 

• Pear Bureau Northwest 

• Pet Food Institute 

• Raisin Administrative Committee 

• Softwood Export Council 

• Southern United States Trade Association 

• Sunkist Growers, Inc 

• The Cranberry Institute 

• U.S. Apple Export Council 

• U.S. Dairy Export Council 

• U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council 

• U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council 

• U.S. Livestock Genetics Export, Inc. 

• U.S. Meat Export Federation  

• U.S. Wheat Associates 

• US Rice Producers Association 

• USA Dry Pea and Lentil Council, Inc 

• USA Poultry and Egg Export Council 

• USA Rice Federation  

• Washington Apple Commission 

• Washington State Fruit Commission 

• Western United States Agricultural Trade Association 

• Wine Institute  

These organizations will use the funding to promote U.S. agricultural products, educate international buyers, and maintain trusted trade relationships. Overall, the AFTPP strengthens American agriculture by improving export opportunities, increasing competitiveness, and supporting farmers and producers in meeting growing global demand. 

Photo Credit: gettyimages-artiemedvedev