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 U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) estimates that the move will save farmers and ranchers $2.5 billion each year. The group warns that new methods for calculating the adverse-effect wage rate would result in lower pay for foreign workers.
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