USA – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is allocating US$300 million to 66 U.S. organizations under the new Regional Agricultural Promotion Program (RAPP). 

This initiative aims to build demand for American food and farm exports in high-potential global markets.

Launched in October 2023, RAPP is a strategic program that authorizes US$1.2 billion in Commodity Credit Corporation funding to help U.S. exporters expand their customer base beyond traditional markets. 

The program focuses on emerging regions such as Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, and South and Southeast Asia, where consumer demand and purchasing power are rapidly growing.

“USDA and the entire Biden-Harris Administration are focused on creating more, new, and better markets for U.S. producers and agribusinesses, and exports are a critical part of that effort,” Vilsack said. “By enabling U.S. exporters to expand their footprint in diverse and dynamic new markets, RAPP will help make them more competitive and resilient in an increasingly volatile global trading environment.”

RAPP was initiated following a request from the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry to bolster, diversify, and expand market opportunities for U.S. agriculture products. This funding round is the first of five tranches, with the next one scheduled for 2026.

Most of the Council’s RAPP funding will enhance its programming in Africa, Latin America, the Middle East, South, and Southeast Asia. Rapid population and economic growth are driving demand for high-quality agriculture products that the U.S. industry is well-positioned to meet. 

Other portions of the investment will strengthen U.S. producers’ positions in existing top export markets and add staff at the Council’s Washington, D.C. headquarters to manage and administer the Council’s increased international activity.

The initial round of RAPP funding will support hundreds of projects across various products and markets, thereby positioning U.S. agriculture better to meet the demands of a growing global population. 

This initiative aligns with broader efforts to ensure that American agricultural products remain competitive and can reach new consumers increasingly interested in high-quality food and farm products from the United States.

USGC receives US$17 million

The U.S. Grains Council (USGC), one of the funding beneficiaries, has announced that it has been awarded US$17 million in additional funding from the USDA under the RAPP initiative. This funding will be used to develop crucial markets for the future of U.S. agriculture exports.

“USDA’s decision to distribute additional investment is a wonderful show of confidence in the Council and its partners to continue blazing a trail in foreign markets on behalf of U.S. agriculture,” said Brent Boydston, USGC chairman. “The future of the Council and its programming has never been brighter, and I am certain there will be incredible results for producers, buyers, and sellers alike.”

“RAPP funding is a game changer for the Council and other cooperators representing U.S. products in international markets and will allow a significant expansion of the great work that Council staff are already doing worldwide,” said Ryan LeGrand, USGC president and CEO.

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