A second round of $300 million in funding is available through the Regional Agricultural Promotion Program (RAPP) to encourage U.S. food and agricultural exports to new markets, said Agriculture deputy secretary Xochitl Torres Small on Monday. Allocations are expected to be made by the end of the year.
The first round of RAPP funding was awarded to 66 organizations in May. “Given the importance of exports in supporting farm income and rural economic development, we’re delighted to be able to make an additional $300 million available this year,” said Torres Small. The deadline for applications is Oct. 4.
On average, one-fifth of U.S. agricultural production is sold to foreign buyers, making exports an important factor in farmer income.
“Farmers have been clear that one of their top priorities is strengthening trade opportunities so they can thrive in a global market,” said Senate Agriculture chairwoman Debbie Stabenow. RAPP “is making a real investment in growing new markets for American agriculture,” she said.
Food and ag exports were forecast at $170.5 billion this fiscal year; the fourth-highest tally ever, but also down for the second year in a row from the record $196.1 billion of 2022. The agricultural trade deficit would the largest-ever, at $32 billion. The USDA is scheduled to make its first forecast of agricultural trade on Aug. 27.
The USDA created RAPP with $1.2 billion in funding in 2023 and the goal of opening and developing new markets beyond the traditional top customers for U.S. food and ag products. The USDA also provides cost-share funding for farm exports through its Market Access Program and Foreign Market Development program.
“RAPP’s emphasis on market diversification is especially critical as it allows for dedication of resources in markets where demand has only scratched the surface,” said the export-promoting U.S. Meat Export Federation. The federation, which received $21 million in the first round of awards, said RAPP funding “is already at work identifying and developing new opportunities for U.S. pork, beef, and lamb.”