Sep 24, 2025USDA awards $8.3M to expand specialty crop trade
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is awarding $8.3 million in funding to help 11 U.S. recipients, including the California Almond Board, address trade barriers and expand international market access for specialty crops.
The funding comes through USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS), which manages the Technical Assistance for Specialty Crops (TASC) program. TASC helps U.S. specialty crop producers overcome trade barriers and promote their products in overseas markets.
“Our market development programs are bringing the bounty of American agriculture to people around the world, helping millions of hardworking American farmers, ranchers and producers connect their safe, high-quality products with growing export markets,” said Luke J. Lindberg, USDA Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Under Secretary.
The California Almond Board, along with other recipients including the National Potato Council, the California Department of Food and Agriculture, and the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council, will use TASC funding to support projects that increase global access to their crops.
USDA market development programs typically return an estimated $24.50 for every dollar invested, according to the department.
TASC makes $9 million available annually to fund projects that address sanitary, phytosanitary and technical barriers that threaten U.S. specialty crop exports. Eligible activities include seminars and workshops, study tours, field surveys, pest and disease research, and pre-clearance programs. Eligible crops include all cultivated plants and their products grown in the U.S., except wheat, feed grains, oilseeds, cotton, rice, peanuts, sugar and tobacco.
Awards can provide up to $500,000 per year for projects lasting up to five years.
