WASHINGTON (RFD-TV)— With a massive $50 billion agricultural trade deficit weighing on U.S. producers, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced a three-point plan to expand export opportunities. The initiative follows new reciprocal trade agreements negotiated by President Donald Trump, aiming to open markets, enforce commitments, and support rural prosperity.
The plan includes $285 million in early funding for the America First Trade Promotion Program, targeted T.R.U.M.P. Missions to connect U.S. sellers with buyers in new markets, and a revitalization of the GSM-102 export credit guarantee program. USDA officials say these steps will reduce risk, improve financing, and make U.S. commodities more competitive abroad.
The strategy, announced by Secretary Brooke Rollins and Under Secretary Luke Lindberg, aims to revive momentum for American agriculture in global commerce and bolster the farm economy.
Tony’s Farm-Level Takeaway: USDA is moving to close the farm trade gap through promotion, missions, and stronger export financing.
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Rollins to Highlight Farm Economy and Trade in Kansas City Visit
Secretary Rollins will travel to Kansas City, Missouri, on Thursday, September 25, to participate in the 11th Annual Agriculture Outlook Forum and visit a local family farm alongside state and federal leaders.
Secretary Rollins is scheduled to deliver keynote remarks at the Agriculture Outlook Forum, focusing on the state of the farm economy, new trade opportunities, and President Trump’s continued support for American agriculture.
Following the forum, Rollins will join Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe, Missouri Director of Agriculture Chris Chinn, and USDA Farm Production and Conservation Under Secretary Richard Fordyce for a visit to a family farm in north Kansas City.
The proposal signals a renewed push to offset tariff-driven losses, stabilize nutrition programs, and broaden eligibility for farm aid, though its path forward will depend on congressional negotiations.
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RFD News correspondent Frank McCaffrey reports from Texas on the ongoing water dispute and its implications for U.S. farmers.
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RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney discusses the latest developments in the Supreme Court, trade tariffs, and the future of the USMCA under President Donald Trump.
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Freight volatility increasingly determines export margins, making logistics costs as important as price in marketing decisions.
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Secretary Rollins also met with specialty crop producers at a local strawberry farm to discuss workforce needs and the Trump Administration’s recent wins related to significantly cutting the cost of H-2A labor for California farmers.
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China’s beef policy risk stems from domestic volatility, making export demand inherently unstable. Jake Charleston with Specialty Risk Insurance offers his perspective on cattle markets, risk management, and producer sentiment.
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USDA flash corn sales, Cattle on Feed and Inventory reports, and beef packer antitrust concerns dominate January agricultural market news.
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