USDA accepting applications for trade program funding until mid-August

USDA is now accepting applications for fiscal year 2027 trade promotion programs. The programs aim to lower international trade barriers for U.S. growers.

Applications will be accepted until Aug. 14.

In April, USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) announced an anticipated $285 million in FY 2027 funding.

“USDA is using every tool it has to cut through the heavy red tape in overseas markets, leveling the playing field so that American producers can reach new buyers and bring dollars back to their farms, fields and rural communities,” USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins said in a news release.

Since 1977, program trade initiatives have generated $24.50 in return for every tax dollar in export value, according to USDA. Expanding global demand for American agricultural products injects an additional $45 billion into the U.S. economy annually and supports more than 225,000 jobs, according to the department.

The trade promotion programs accepting applications in this funding cycle include:

• Market Access Program: Provides cost-share assistance to assist U.S. exporters and trade organizations to promote agricultural, fish and forest products. The Notice of Funding Opportunity is available at https://grants.gov/search-results-detail/362741.
• Foreign Market Development Program: Partners with nonprofit trade associations to build long-term international demand for U.S. commodities. The Notice of Funding Opportunity is available at https://grants.gov/search-results-detail/362745.
• Emerging Markets Program: Supports technical assistance that grows and develops opportunities for U.S. agricultural exports in emerging markets. The Notice of Funding Opportunity is available at https://grants.gov/search-results-detail/362746.
• Technical Assistance for Specialty Crops: Funds projects that address sanitary, phytosanitary and technical barriers that impact exports of U.S. specialty crops. The Notice of Funding Opportunity is available at https://grants.gov/search-results-detail/362744.
• Quality Samples Program: Helps trade organizations provide product samples to potential foreign importers to help familiarize them with U.S. agricultural products. The Notice of Funding Opportunity is available at https://grants.gov/search-results-detail/362742.

FAS will review applications and announce award selections this fall, according to the release.