US agricultural associations welcome new USDA export initiative

The Foreign Agricultural Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA FAS) has announced a new funding program aimed at expanding international market opportunities for American agricultural products. The initiative — the America First Trade Promotion Program (AFTPP), with a budget of $285 million — has already received broad support from major U.S. grain and oilseed industry associations.

Speaking at a meeting of the U.S. Ag Export Development Council (USADEC), Michelle Bekkering, USDA deputy undersecretary for trade and foreign agricultural affairs, emphasized that AFTPP is designed to complement existing market-development tools such as the Market Access Program (MAP) and the Foreign Market Development (FMD) program. According to her, the initiative will help identify markets with growth potential, address trade barriers, and strengthen U.S. positions where the country already holds market share.

The American Soybean Association (ASA), the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC), and the WISHH program expressed strong support for the AFTPP, calling it a “timely and strategic opportunity” to expand U.S. soybean exports into non-traditional markets. ASA president Caleb Ragland noted that the funding mechanism demonstrates the government’s clear commitment to strengthening the global footprint of U.S. agriculture and provides new momentum for deepening trade relationships.

USSEC highlighted that the expanded pool of resources and the emphasis on emerging markets will enhance efforts to promote U.S. soy, which benefits from a reliable supply chain and strong sustainability credentials. USSEC chair Janna Fritz stressed that the new initiative will help capture “next-generation growth” through partnerships and technical expertise. WISHH representatives added that AFTPP opens opportunities in regions with rapidly increasing demand for animal-feed and food-grade protein.

US Wheat Associates also welcomed the initiative and thanked the Trump Administration for prioritizing U.S. agricultural export expansion. Mike Spier, the organization’s president and CEO, stated that USDA support remains essential in connecting U.S. farmers—renowned for producing high-quality wheat—with customers around the world.

USDA encouraged traditional MAP and FMD program participants to submit innovative, market-expanding proposals targeting nontraditional markets. Applications for the AFTPP are due January 23, 2026.

Tags: export, soybean, wheat, USA