US export market to receive $8.4 million boost

More than $8.4 million earmarked to expand export markets for U.S. goods will be distributed by USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service through three programs.

The funding will be awarded through the Technical Assistance for Specialty Crops (TASC) program, the Emerging Markets Program (EMP) and the Quality Samples Program (QSP), according to USDA.

The awards include:

• $3.5 million through TASC to nine U.S. recipients to address sanitary, phytosanitary or technical barriers that limit or threaten the export of U.S. specialty crops. Projects include pre-clearance programs, workshops, field visits, study tours and pest and disease research.
• $3.8 million through EMP to 16 U.S. recipients working to expand access to emerging markets and advance market development. Funding supports market assessments, subsistence travel and technical assistance to promote long-term export growth.
• $1.1 million through QSP to eight U.S. recipients to provide samples of U.S. agricultural products to potential overseas buyers. Buyers can test these samples to confirm their high quality and performance, leading to increased commercial demand for U.S. goods.

FAS expects to award three more tranches in FY 2026.

“These programs drive growth for U.S. agricultural exports, giving American farmers and ranchers the tools they need to break through unnecessary trade barriers and explore new markets,” said Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Luke J. Lindberg.