Tree nut groups secure USDA export funding through MAP, FMD programs

Several leading U.S. tree nut organizations are among the recipients of more than $212 million in federal export development funding awarded by USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) for fiscal year 2026. Tree nut industry recipients include:

• American Pecan Council
• American Pistachio Growers (APG)
• Blue Diamond Growers/Almond Board of California
• California Walnut Commission (CWC)

The funding is being distributed through USDA’s Market Access Program (MAP) and Foreign Market Development (FMD) programs, which support efforts to expand international demand for U.S. agricultural products. Overall, FAS will distribute more than $212 million through the two cost-share programs to help U.S. producers build and maintain a competitive presence in global markets. For fiscal year 2026, FAS will provide more than $181 million to 68 nonprofit organizations and cooperatives through MAP and more than $31 million to 18 trade organizations through FMD. MAP supports consumer-focused promotion activities and is used by organizations representing fruits, nuts, processed foods and other commodities. On average, MAP participants contribute more than $2.50 for every federal dollar invested, according to USDA. FMD supports long-term, generic commodity promotion and market development. Cooperators contribute an average of $3.25 per federal dollar invested. “USDA’s market development programs crowd in private sector capital to help promote U.S. food, fuel and fiber to foreign buyers,” said Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Luke J. Lindberg in a news release. “Partnering with industry ensures that these resources are deployed efficiently and effectively and that decisions are farmer-driven.”

Export dollars remain critical for pistachio marketing

APG welcomed the funding announcement, emphasizing the role federal export dollars play in strengthening international marketing efforts. “Without these funds, our mission to drive demand for American pistachios would be greatly reduced,” said Scott Fryer, APG vice president of global marketing, in a statement. “It is because of these funds that we feel like our marketing efforts have been amplified. We are excited to continue the efforts to drive increased demand by growing in our existing markets, and expanding into new markets.” The organization said the MAP and FMD programs are critical tools that help the U.S. pistachio industry compete and build brand preference in established and emerging export destinations.

Walnut commission adds MAP funding to long-term export strategy

The CWC announced it secured $3,655,434 through the 2026 MAP funding cycle. The allocation adds to $14 million in Regional Agricultural Promotion Program funds that will be used through September 2030 to develop new export markets. “Over two-thirds of California walnuts are exported, making international sales an important source of value for the California walnut industry,” said Robert Verloop, California Walnut Commission CEO, in a statement. “The continued investment from USDA in our industry strengthens our capacity to develop a preference for and expand use of California walnuts in key markets worldwide, where more consumers can experience walnuts’ exceptional quality and health benefits.” The commission said the combined funding will support efforts to expand market opportunities in key international destinations and reinforce California walnuts’ positioning as a premium product. With U.S. tree nut exports accounting for a significant share of production — particularly in almonds, walnuts, pistachios and pecans — federal export promotion funding remains a critical component of long-term industry growth strategies.