By Jamie Martin
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) dedication to bolstering agricultural exports is exemplified through recent trade missions and partnerships, led by Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs, Alexis M. Taylor. These initiatives aim to maintain and expand the global presence of U.S. agriculture.
A recent trade mission to Colombia highlighted the potential for U.S. agribusiness in the growing Colombian market, with U.S. agricultural exports reaching a record $3.7 billion in 2023. The U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement has significantly contributed to these figures, making Colombia the seventh-largest market for U.S. agricultural products.
Following this, the Kansas Governor’s Summit on Agricultural Growth provided a platform to discuss diversifying agricultural exports and enhancing market opportunities for specialty crops and underrepresented producers.
The Summit emphasized the importance of the Regional Agricultural Promotion Program (RAPP), which allocates $1.2 billion to promote U.S. agricultural products worldwide.
Additionally, the Assisting Specialty Crop Exports (ASCE) initiative is designed to support smaller producers and ensure equitable access to international markets, highlighting the USDA's commitment to expanding the global footprint of American agriculture.
Through these strategic engagements and ongoing collaborations, the USDA is not only promoting traditional commodities but also focusing on innovation and new product development to keep U.S. agriculture competitive on the global stage.
The future looks promising for American producers as they continue to explore new opportunities in dynamic markets across Latin America, Southeast Asia, and Africa.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: National