By Jamie Martin
The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) is injecting $300 million into the Regional Agricultural Promotion Program (RAPP) to bolster American agriculture exports. Launched in October 2023, RAPP aims to diversify export markets beyond traditional ones, focusing on regions like Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia, where consumer demand is on the rise.
Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack underscores the significance of expanding market opportunities abroad to support small and mid-sized farms and rural communities. The funding empowers recipient organizations to undertake projects aimed at boosting demand for US agricultural products in various regions. Initiatives include trade education seminars, market research, and trade missions.
Recipient organizations, including the Cranberry Institute, Southern Forest Products Association, Hazelnut Marketing Board, U.S. Dairy Export Council, U.S. Meat Export Federation, and Brewers Association, are planning activities to drive exports. These efforts target markets in India, Brazil, Southeast Asia, Africa, the Caribbean, and the ASEAN region.
The objective is to enhance the competitiveness and resilience of US exporters in the global trading landscape. By expanding into diverse and dynamic markets, American producers can mitigate risks and capitalize on growth opportunities. Ultimately, RAPP seeks to reverse the decline of small and mid-sized farms while fostering wealth creation in rural communities.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: National