NDSU Research Finds Bill Gives U.S. Ag Trade Promotion Historic Boost

Aug 08, 2025

A new blog from NDSU’s Agricultural Risk Policy Center analyzes the transformative impact of the One Big Beautiful Bill on U.S. agricultural trade promotion.

Passed by the U.S. Senate in June 2025, the OBBB increases total agricultural outlays by $65.69 billion through FY2034, without raising overall spending levels thanks to offsetting reforms in nutrition assistance programs.

Dongin Kim’s analysis highlights a major shift in the federal government’s approach to agricultural export support. While most funding increases in the bill target farm safety net programs like PLC, ARC and crop insurance, the legislation also dedicates $2.19 billion in new mandatory funding to agricultural trade promotion under Title I, Subtitle F: Investments in Rural America.

Among the most notable provisions:
• Creation of a new Supplemental Agricultural Trade Promotion Program, launching in FY2027
• Long-overdue funding boost to complement long-standing programs like the Market Access Program and Foreign Market Development
• Estimated annual trade promotion spending exceeding $825 million by FY2034, up from approximately $235 million today

Source : ndsu.edu

Video: Independent Seed, National Impact | On The Brink: Episode 9

A survey of 200 independent seed businesses reveals what Canada's seed sector actually contributes — and what it stands to lose.

On the Brink, Justin Funk, a third-generation agri-marketer, shares the findings of a national survey conducted in early 2026. The numbers reframe the conversation: independent seed companies in Canada represent upwards of $1.7 billion in dedicated seed infrastructure, approximately 3,000 full-time equivalent jobs in rural communities, and an estimated $20 million in annual community contributions. And roughly 90% of Canada's cereals, pulses, and other small pollinated crops flow through them.

The survey also asked how dependent these businesses are on public plant breeding to survive. The answer was unambiguous. For policymakers evaluating the future of publicly funded breeding programs, Funk argues the economic case for this sector and the case for public plant breeding are the same argument.

On the Brink is a cross-country video series exploring the future of plant breeding in Canada. Each episode features voices from across the industry in an open, ongoing conversation about innovation and long-term investment in Canadian agriculture.