The USDA, under Secretary Tom Vilsack is gearing up for a proactive 2024, focusing on expanding U.S. agricultural exports. The department's plans include a series of global trade missions and the launch of the Regional Agricultural Promotion Program (RAPP).
Building on a record-setting $196 billion in agricultural exports in 2022, the USDA aims to further diversify and expand U.S. agricultural products in global markets. A key aspect of this strategy is the RAPP, funded with $1.3 billion, which will support American exporters in entering new markets and consolidating their presence in existing ones. The program's regulations will be open for public comment starting November 17.
The USDA has outlined a robust schedule of trade missions for 2024, targeting key markets like Seoul, New Delhi, Vancouver, Bogota, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Casablanca. These missions are crucial for fostering trade relationships and exploring new opportunities for U.S. agricultural products.
The administration's USDA has already achieved significant trade policy victories, including opening new markets in Vietnam and Mexico and renegotiating beef tariffs with Japan. These successes are part of the USDA's broader effort to create fairer markets and enhance the U.S. agricultural sector's resilience and sustainability.
Through these initiatives, the USDA reaffirms its commitment to transforming America's food system. The focus is on building a more resilient, equitable, and environmentally conscious agricultural sector that supports farmers and producers while ensuring access to nutritious food for all communities.
Source : wisconsinagconnection