Apr 3, 2025Applications open for USDA export market development programs
The USDA is launching agricultural trade promotion programs for 2026 and accepting applications for four export market development programs.
The agency’s Foreign Agricultural Service has opened funding opportunities for the Market Access Program (MAP), Foreign Market Development Program (FMD), Technical Assistance for Specialty Crops Program (TASC), and Emerging Markets Program (EMP) to help U.S. agricultural producers promote and sell goods internationally.
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins will make six international trade trips in the next six months to Vietnam, Japan, India, Peru, Brazil and the U.K.
“Our job at USDA is to open new markets for our farmers, ranchers, and producers,” Rollins said in a news release. “We are putting farmers first. These programs are a crucial step in sustaining long lasting economic growth in rural America.”
The application deadline for the four programs is June 6.
MAP
MAP awards $200 million annually to ag industry organizations to promote U.S. fruits, vegetables, nuts, processed products and bulk and intermediate commodities to global consumers. The average MAP participant provides more than $2.50 in contributions for every $1 in federal funding it receives through the program.
FMD
FMD program awards $34.5 million annually to benefit U.S. farmers, processors, and exporters by addressing long–term foreign market import constraints and by identifying new markets for U.S. agricultural commodities. FMD recipients, which contribute on average more than $2.50 for every $1 in federal funding they receive through the program, will conduct activities that help maintain or increase demand for U.S. agricultural commodities overseas. More information about the program and the FY 2026 funding opportunity.
TASC
TASC makes available $9 million annually to fund projects that address sanitary, phytosanitary and technical barriers that prohibit or threaten the export of U.S. specialty crops. More information about the program and the FY 2026 funding opportunity.
EMP
EMP allocates $8 million annually to support assessment and technical assistance activities intended to develop, maintain or expand opportunities for U.S. agricultural exports in emerging markets.
