CHESTERFIELD, Mo. – The USDA on April 16 announced additional support for American farmers and producers through its new initiative, the America First Trade Promotion Program, to help expand export markets for U.S. food and agricultural products.

Under the Working Families Tax Cuts Act, starting in fiscal year 2027, the USDA will have an additional $285 million annually in supplemental funding that it will use to support flagship USDA Foreign Agricultural Service market development programs like the Market Access Program and Foreign Market Development Program.

The USDA Foreign Agricultural Service will provide funding to 55 nonprofit organizations and cooperatives through the America First Trade Promotion Program, the agency said.

For example, the American Soybean Association (ASA), the U.S. Soybean Export Council and the World Initiative for Soy in Human Health will be working together to use their $14 million in USDA Foreign Agricultural Service allocated funding they collectively received to increase international interest in U.S. soy.

The program will focus on giving buyers the tools and knowledge needed to source and promote soy products of U.S. origin, the agency said. The initiative will include training programs for food companies, feed producers, and local processors in growing and emerging markets.

Jim Sutter, CEO of the U.S. Soybean Export Council in Chesterfield, Mo., told Farm World, “We’re pleased that U.S. soy has received America First Trade Promotion Program funding as we work jointly with the American Soybean Association and the World Initiative for Soy in Human Health to grow global demand for U.S. soy.

“We’re focused on turning trade agreements into growing demand, or to quote USDA Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Luke Lindberg ‘to turn market access into market share,’” he said. “We will do this by equipping buyers with the tools and technical knowledge so that customers understand the economic value that U.S. soy can bring to them.” 

He said this includes targeted engagement with high-value buyers and strong in-market support, placing technical experts alongside customers to deliver tailored solutions: “These efforts are designed to accelerate buyer conversion and generate near-term sales, while reinforcing U.S. soy as a strategic, long-term choice. 

“We are building local industry expertise, highlighting U.S. soy’s sustainability credentials, and advancing environmental solutions that align with customer priorities,” he added.

By strengthening trade relationships, enhancing technical servicing and supporting improved market access, he said the U.S. Soybean Export Council “ensures buyers have the confidence, capability and support needed to choose, source and promote U.S. soy in global markets.”

Morey Hill, World Initiative for Soy in Human Health chair and Perry, Iowa farmer, said the program funding supports the World Initiative for Soy in Human Health and U.S. soy to capitalize on years of market development efforts in developing and emerging markets: “This funding will allow the World Initiative for Soy in Human Health to launch new and innovative programs with partners who are eager to try U.S. soy.”

Scott Metzger, ASA president and Williamsport, Ohio, farmer, said, “For soybean farmers, demand is everything. This funding helps strengthen long-term market access and ensures U.S. soy remains competitive in a global marketplace, keeping American farmers at the forefront of growing global demand.”

In an April 28 statement to Farm World, the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture said the association will use the $2,250,000 in funding allocated to them to strengthen state-led international trade efforts that expand market opportunities for U.S. agriculture.

“Funding will support activities such as inbound trade missions, collaboration with government and industry partners and targeted efforts to address non-tariff barriers, and resolve trade challenges in priority markets,” the association said.

“These initiatives will help state departments of agriculture connect technical expertise, regulatory understanding and global engagement to better position U.S. farmers in the international marketplace,” the association added.

Moreover, association officials said this investment will help farmers and agricultural businesses by expanding reliable access to global markets, increasing export opportunities, and strengthening the competitiveness of U.S. agricultural products abroad.

“By building relationships with international buyers, addressing regulatory and non-tariff barriers and opening new market channels, the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture’s work helps producers connect with more buyers, broaden market access, and expand sales, while diversifying revenue streams. Over time, this supports more stable export demand, and positions U.S. producers for long-term growth and resilience.”

Dan Halstrom, president and CEO of the U.S. Meat Export Federation, which received $12.5 million in program funding, said when global opportunities expand for U.S. red meat, this translates to higher returns for farmers and ranchers, and the entire U.S. supply chain.

“The U.S. Meat Export Federation looks forward to continued collaboration with the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service to ensure successful implementation of the America First Trade Promotion Program, which is an excellent addition to the USDA’s lineup of foreign market development programs,” he added.