The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has allocated $300 million to 66 organizations within the U.S., such as the Cherry Marketing Institute, U.S. Grains Council (USGC), and U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council, aiming to enhance the demand for American agricultural exports across various high-potential international markets. This initiative is part of the Regional Agricultural Promotion Program (RAPP), which has been established to support U.S. exporters in broadening their consumer base beyond traditional markets, with a focus on regions including Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, and South and Southeast Asia.
Specifically, funding amounts have been designated to several organizations, with the Cherry Marketing Institute receiving $450,000, USGC obtaining $17 million, and the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council being allocated $1.3 million.
RAPP was initiated following a request from the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, aimed at increasing, diversifying, and expanding market opportunities for U.S. agricultural products. This funding round represents the first of five planned tranches, with the subsequent round scheduled for 2026. The USGC has indicated plans to utilize its funding to develop markets crucial for the future of U.S. agricultural exports, focusing on regions such as Africa, Latin America, the Middle East, and South and Southeast Asia.
Source: farmprogress.com