WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD NEWS) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service has announced additional support for American farmers and producers through the America First Trade Promotion Program, aimed at expanding export markets for U.S. food and agricultural products.
The agency says the funding will help strengthen U.S. agriculture’s presence in existing markets while opening new opportunities for producers around the world.
“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 Lindberg. “Partnering with industry opens new doors for trade, strengthening our position in the global marketplace and advancing the administration’s priority of keeping American agriculture competitive, resilient, and ready to meet growing global demand.”
According to the USDA, the program is a precursor to additional funding tied to the Working Families Tax Cuts, which will provide $285 million annually beginning in fiscal year 2027 to support market development efforts like the Market Access Program and the Foreign Market Development Program.
Officials say the America First Trade Promotion Program will provide funding to 55 nonprofit organizations and cooperatives, helping exporters build relationships and capitalize on new trade opportunities. The funding is designed to complement existing USDA export promotion programs and provide continuity for stakeholders as additional long-term funding becomes available.
The U.S. soy industry is welcoming $14 million awarded through the America First Trade Promotion Program, which leaders will use to equip international buyers with tools to promote U.S.-grown soy in their markets.
U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) CEO Jim Sutter joined us on Monday’s Market Day Report to provide an update on the investment and its implications for producers, highlighting program priorities and explaining how farmers and organizations work together to secure support.
In his interview with RFD News, Sutter discussed the impact of the funding on U.S. soy and outlined key program priorities tied to the investment. He also explained how soybean farmers and organizations collaborate to prioritize needs and submit requests when applying for funding.
