USDA allocates $212 million to boost agricultural exports under MAP and FMD

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service will allocate more than $212 million in fiscal 2026 through two export promotion programs aimed at expanding overseas demand for U.S. food and agricultural products.

The funding, announced Wednesday, includes more than $181 million under the Market Access Program and over $31 million through the Foreign Market Development program. The initiatives operate as cost-share partnerships between USDA and industry groups, supporting promotional activities and long-term market development abroad.

Luke J. Lindberg, under secretary for trade and foreign agricultural affairs, said the programs are designed to leverage private investment alongside federal funding to promote U.S. “food, fuel, and fiber” in foreign markets. He said collaboration with industry groups helps ensure resources are deployed efficiently and reflect producer priorities.

Under MAP, 68 nonprofit organizations and cooperatives will receive a combined $181.4 million in fiscal 2026. The program supports consumer-oriented promotions and is widely used by groups representing fruits, nuts, processed foods and other commodities. Participants contribute an average of more than $2.50 for every federal dollar invested, according to USDA.

The largest MAP allocations include $14.1 million to the U.S. Meat Export Federation, $13.1 million to Cotton Council International, and $10.1 million to Food Export Association of the Midwest USA. Other significant recipients include the U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council at $8.6 million, Western United States Agricultural Trade Association at $8.4 million, and Food Export USA Northeast at $8.5 million.

Through the Foreign Market Development program, USDA will distribute $31.1 million to 18 trade organizations representing agricultural producers. FMD focuses on long-term development of export markets and supports generic commodity promotion rather than branded products. Preference is given to organizations with nationwide membership representing broad industry sectors.

The largest FMD allocations include $7.9 million to the American Soybean Association, $4.6 million to U.S. Wheat Associates, $4.1 million to Cotton Council International, and $3.9 million to the U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council. FMD cooperators contribute an average of $3.25 for every federal dollar invested, USDA said.

USDA publishes the full list of fiscal 2026 awardees and funding allocations on the Foreign Agricultural Service website.