WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced the launch of agricultural trade promotion programs for fiscal year 2026 and is now accepting applications for four key export market development initiatives aimed at expanding global opportunities for U.S. agricultural producers.
The programs, operated through the USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS), include the Market Access Program (MAP), Foreign Market Development Program (FMD), Technical Assistance for Specialty Crops Program (TASC), and Emerging Markets Program (EMP). These initiatives are designed to help U.S. farmers, ranchers, and agricultural organizations tap into international markets, overcoming barriers to export growth and boosting trade. The deadline for applications is June 6, 2025.
“Our job at USDA is to open new markets for our farmers, ranchers, and producers. The previous administration left agriculture with a $50 billion trade deficit,” said U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins. “President Trump and I will not sit idly by—we are actively working to open new markets and remove existing barriers. We are putting farmers first. These programs are a crucial step in sustaining long lasting economic growth in rural America.”
The MAP, funded at $200 million annually, focuses on promoting U.S. agricultural commodities such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, and processed products to international consumers. Program participants typically contribute $2.50 for every $1 in federal funding.
The FMD program, with an annual budget of $34.5 million, addresses long-term challenges in foreign markets, helping U.S. farmers and exporters identify new opportunities or uses for their commodities. Like MAP, FMD recipients provide a significant financial match for federal dollars received.
The TASC program provides $9 million annually to support initiatives that eliminate technical export limitations related to U.S. specialty crops. Meanwhile, the EMP allocates $8 million per year to activities in emerging markets, aiming to develop, maintain, and expand export prospects for U.S. agricultural goods.
FAS’s public-private partnerships with non-profit trade associations, farmer cooperatives, state agencies, and small businesses play an essential role in executing these programs, ensuring effective use of resources to encourage global trade growth.
Additionally, Secretary Rollins has unveiled plans for six international trade missions over the next six months to Vietnam, Japan, India, Peru, Brazil, and the United Kingdom. These trips aim to promote U.S. agricultural exports while simultaneously addressing ongoing trade barriers.
These programs, funded through congressional statutory mandates, reflect USDA’s commitment to supporting America’s agricultural sector and ensuring a strong return on investment for taxpayers.
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