USDA announces its first strategic allocation of funds from the Regional Agricultural Promotional Program
May 21, 2024Arlington, VA – May 21, 2024 – The U.S. Agricultural Export Development Council (USAEDC) welcomed the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)’s announcement today of its first strategic allocation of funds from the new Regional Agricultural Promotion Program (RAPP). The first tranche of $300 million comes from a combined $1.2 Billion RAPP fund that is set to bolster American agricultural exports by opening new markets and expanding trade opportunities globally in the coming years. The allocation was driven by a joint request from Senate Agriculture Committee Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow and Ranking Member Senator John Boozman, addressing the absence of new agricultural market development funding in recent years.
Lorena Alfaro, Executive Director of USAEDC, expressed strong support for the USDA’s funding decision. “This substantial funding is both timely and essential,” Alfaro stated. “Every dollar invested in these export promotion programs is pivotal in educating international buyers about the superior quality of U.S. agricultural products. With a remarkable return of over $24 in net export revenue for every dollar invested, these programs stand out as some of the most effective government initiatives possible.”
Alfaro further noted, “We deeply appreciate the USDA and our Congressional leaders for their unwavering support. This initiative is vital for the U.S. agricultural sector to continue breaking into new markets, overcoming trade barriers, and delivering high-quality, competitively priced products to global consumers.”
Greg Tyler, USAEDC Chair and President and CEO of the USA Poultry & Egg Export Council (USAPEEC), echoed Alfaro’s sentiments, saying, “The positive impact of sustained investment in export promotion is profound, benefiting consumers, businesses, and economies globally, as well as our own U.S. agricultural economy. This funding empowers American producers to not only compete in established markets but also to venture into new ones.”
Tyler added, “This new investment builds on the foundational work of previous market development programs and paves the way for advancements in nutrition, sustainability, and economic growth through American agriculture. In an era of rising global competition and persistent conflicts, the work ahead is critical, and we are eager to collaborate to achieve impactful results.” Future tranches of RAPP program funds are expected to be similarly allocated in regular intervals in the coming years.
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The U.S. Agricultural Export Development Council (USAEDC) is comprised of U.S. agricultural trade associations, farmer cooperatives, and state regional trade groups that represent the export promotion interests of growers, processors, and shippers of U.S. agricultural products. Members collaborate closely with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service to increase worldwide knowledge, preference, and demand for U.S. agricultural exports.