WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD NEWS) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Export-Import Bank are launching a new export finance initiative to expand overseas sales of U.S. farm products and narrow the agricultural trade deficit. The announcement pairs a broader USDA-EXIM partnership with USDA’s new FARM Initiative, short for Financial Assurance to Revitalize Markets.
USDA said the initiative is designed to strengthen and modernize export credit support for agriculture. The effort brings together USDA’s financing tools and EXIM’s role as the federal export credit agency to help exporters, lenders, and foreign buyers work with more certainty.
The package includes several practical changes. USDA said it is expanding banking participation, increasing access in higher-risk markets, and offering 100 percent coverage for payment guarantees so exporters can pursue more business abroad.
Officials said EXIM will complement the $5.5 billion authorized under USDA’s GSM-102 export credit guarantee program. The agencies also pointed to EXIM export credit insurance and working capital loan guarantees as added tools for exporters.
USDA said the broader goal is to improve competitiveness, open more markets, and give American agriculture a stronger financing platform as trade policy and global competition continue to shift.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Expanded export financing could provide greater support for ag sales abroad if buyers and lenders use the additional tools.
Tony St. James, RFD News Markets Specialist
Joe Peiffer with Ag & Business Legal Strategies advises farmers on end-of-year financial planning, including preparing records, avoiding common credit mistakes, and evaluating equipment purchases for 2026.
December 08, 2025 04:43 PM
·
Lewie Pugh with the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) discusses the gap in truck driver education programs and how it impacts road safety and supply chain economics.
December 08, 2025 03:49 PM
·
Eastern Region VP Joey Nowotny of Delaware joins us on FFA Today to talk about his new leadership role and an exciting year ahead for the National FFA Organization.
December 08, 2025 02:05 PM
·
Georgia has regained its HPAI-free status after a swift response to October’s detection. Commissioner Tyler Harper urges producers to stay vigilant and maintain biosecurity.
December 08, 2025 01:29 PM
·
USTR Jamieson Greer signals a narrower trade deal with China, adding more market uncertainty. The Farm Bureau also supports reviewing China’s missed trade commitments under the Phase One.
December 08, 2025 01:00 PM
·
Record yields and exceptionally low BCFM strengthen U.S. corn’s competitive position in global markets.
December 08, 2025 12:00 PM
·
