Feb 12, 2026USDA to award more than $212M to spur US ag exports
More than $212 million will be awarded through a pair of USDA programs to help expand export markets for U.S. food and agricultural products.
The Market Access Program (MAP) and Foreign Market Development (FMD), administered through the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS), are longstanding cost-share partnerships that help producers build and maintain a competitive presence in the global marketplace according to a news release.
National promotion board Potatoes USA received $4.2 million in MAP funds to support efforts to strengthen global demand for U.S. potatoes.
“USDA’s market development programs crowd in private sector capital to help promote U.S. food, fuel and fiber to foreign buyers.” said Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Luke J. Lindberg. “Partnering with industry ensures that these resources are deployed efficiently and effectively and that decisions are farmer-driven.”
For fiscal year 2026, FAS will provide more than $181 million to 68 nonprofit organizations and cooperatives through MAP. The program supports a range of consumer-focused promotion for small businesses and cooperatives and is used by organizations representing fruits, nuts, processed foods and intermediate bulk commodities.
On average, MAP participants contribute more than $2.50 for every federal dollar invested, according to USDA.
Through the FMD program, FAS will allocate more than $31 million for fiscal year 2026 to 18 trade organizations representing U.S. agricultural producers. FMD supports long-term market development with a focus on generic commodity promotion with preference is given to organizations that represent broad industry sectors with nationwide membership.
On average, FMD cooperators contribute $3.25 per federal dollar invested.
Lists of MAP and FMD awardees are available online.
Editor’s note: This story has been updated with information about Potatoes USA funds.
