By Jamie Martin
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced new funding under the America First Trade Promotion Program to help American farmers and agricultural producers expand export opportunities and strengthen global trade connections.
“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 program is managed by the USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service and supports major market development efforts such as the Market Access Program and the Foreign Market Development Program. Beginning in fiscal year 2027, an additional $285 million per year will be available through the Working Families Tax Cuts. The current AFTPP funding helps prepare exporters and market organizations ahead of that future investment.
USDA officials emphasized that market development programs play an important role in helping farmers and producers succeed internationally. By partnering with industry groups, the programs help promote U.S. agricultural products and improve access to overseas markets.
A key goal of the initiative is to strengthen U.S. agriculture’s presence in both existing and emerging markets. The program ensures that high‑quality American food and agricultural products reach consumers around the world.
Through the AFTPP, funding will be awarded to 55 nonprofit organizations and cooperatives representing diverse agricultural sectors.
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 exports, educate international buyers, and strengthen trade partnerships. Overall, the AFTPP supports American agriculture by improving market access, increasing global competitiveness, and helping farmers and producers meet growing international demand.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-artiemedvedev
Categories: National