The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has allocated $300 million to 66 organizations across the U.S., including the Cherry Marketing Association, the United States Grains Council (USGC) and the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council, to increase demand for U.S. agricultural exports in various high-potential international markets. The effort is part of the Regional Agricultural Advancement Program (RAPP), which was established to help U.S. exporters expand their consumer base beyond their traditional markets, focusing on regions such as Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, South Asia and Southeast Asia.
Specifically, funding was allocated to several organizations, with $450,000 going to the Cherry Marketing Association, $17 million to the USGC and $1.3 million to the American Highbush Blueberry Council.
RAPP was launched at the request of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry to expand, diversify, and grow market opportunities for U.S. agricultural products. This funding round is the first of five planned tranches, with the next round expected in 2026. USGC has indicated it plans to use the funds to develop markets critical to the future of U.S. agricultural exports, focusing on regions such as Africa, Latin America, the Middle East, South Asia, and Southeast Asia.
Source: farmprogress.com
Issue date: Wednesday, May 29, 2024
