USDA Invests More Than USD 200 Million to Expand Agricultural Exports Through Market Development Programs

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service is awarding USD 202.7 million to more than 60 U.S. agricultural organizations to help expand export markets for U.S. farm and food products through the Market Access Program, also known as MAP, and the Foreign Market Development, or FMD Program.

Daniel Whitley Administrator of USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS):
 

"In this unique public-private partnership, USDA and the American agricultural industry are working together to expand markets for high-quality, American-made farm and food products worldwide."

"With industry matching funds, federal investments in these market development programs not only increase agricultural export revenue and volume, but also improve farm income and strengthen the U.S. economy. Under the MAP, FAS is providing USD 175.6 million in initial fiscal year 2023 funding to 67 non-profit organizations and cooperatives."

These organizations will use the funds to support U.S. producers with marketing and promotion activities around the globe, including market research, technical assistance, and support for participation in trade fairs and exhibits.

The average MAP participant provides more than USD 2.50 in contributions for every USD 1 in federal funding it receives through the program.

Through the FMD Program, FAS is allocating USD 27.1 million in initial fiscal year 2023 funding to 20 trade organizations that represent U.S. agricultural producers. The program focuses on generic promotion of U.S. commodities, rather than consumer–oriented promotion of branded products.

Preference is given to organizations that represent an entire industry or are nationwide in membership and scope. The organizations, which contribute on average nearly USD 2.50 for every USD 1 in federal funding they receive through the program, will conduct activities that help maintain or increase demand for U.S. agricultural commodities overseas.

Daniel Whitley:
 

"FAS works hard every day to expand international markets for U.S. farm and food products, to break down trade barriers, and to assist America’s farmers, ranchers, and producers with the resources they need to reach consumers around the world."

"U.S. agricultural exports reached a record-high USD 196.4 billion in fiscal year 2022, supporting an estimated 1.2 million jobs."

In addition, a recent study, conducted by IHS Markit in cooperation with Dr. Gary Williams and Dr. Oral Capps at Texas A&M University, found that foreign market development investment through the MAP and FMD programs contributes USD 45 billion annually in economic output and USD 22.3 billion annually in gross domestic product, creating U.S. jobs and increasing farm cash receipts.
   
The FMD Funding Allocations - FY 2023 page contains a list of the FMD funding recipients for FY 2023. The Foreign Market Development Program (FMD) page contains more information about the FMD program.

USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. In the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production; fairer markets for all producers; ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities; building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate-smart food and forestry practices; making historic investments in infrastructure and clean-energy capabilities in rural America; and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America.