Ag News

USDA provides $300 million to aid U.S. ag exports

On May 21, the USDA announced it is allocating $300 million to 66 U.S. organizations under the new Regional Agricultural Promotion Program (RAPP), to build demand for American food and farm exports in high-potential markets around the globe.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack launched RAPP in October 2023, authorizing $1.2 billion in Commodity Credit Corporation funding to help U.S. exporters expand their customer base beyond traditional and established markets, focusing on regions such as Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, and South and Southeast Asia, where consumer demand and purchasing power are growing.

Among the organizations receiving RAPP awards are:  The American Soybean Association ($28.5 million); Cotton Council International ($19 million); the U.S. Dairy Export Council ($10 million); Southern United States Trade Association ($9.38 million), U.S. Poultry & Egg Export Council ($9.03 million); American Peanut Council ($2.9 million); U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council ($1.3 million); American Pecan Council ($1 million) and the National Watermelon Promotion Board ($300,000).

Meanwhile, the USDA and the United States Trade Representative (USTR) announced appointments to the newly established Seasonal and Perishable Agricultural Products Advisory Committee.

Among the appointees is Georgia Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association Executive Director Chris Butts.  

USTR and USDA established the committee to provide advice and recommendations on measures to promote the competitiveness of producers of seasonal and perishable produce in the Southeastern United States. The committee members will offer expertise in areas such as growing and selling seasonal and perishable agricultural products and the needs and market dynamics affecting producers of seasonal and perishable agricultural products in the Southeastern United States.

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