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US soy organizations secure second round of USDA funding

ASA, WISHH, and USSEC to leverage RAPP 2 award to boost U.S. soybean exports.

Rrl Soybean Field With Farm Background

The American Soybean Association (ASA), its World Initiative for Soy in Human Health (WISHH) program, and the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) have been awarded a second round of funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Foreign Agriculture Service's Regional Agricultural Promotion Program (RAPP). This RAPP 2 award will be used to diversify international markets and grow U.S. soybean exports, addressing the increasing global demand for protein and supporting nutrition security worldwide.

Caleb Ragland, ASA president and Kentucky soy farmer, expressed gratitude for the funding, emphasizing its importance in opening doors for U.S. agricultural exports in emerging markets. He highlighted soy's position as the country's top agricultural export and stressed the need for continued innovation to maintain competitiveness globally. The funding will support expansion efforts in Africa, Latin America, and Asia.

Lance Rezac, USSEC chair and Kansas farmer, commended Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack and USDA FAS for their strategic vision in creating the RAPP program. He noted that the inclusion of Europe as a targeted region in RAPP 2 aligns with USSEC's mission to diversify markets and increase exports for U.S. soybean farmers. The award will enable USSEC to expand into new and high-potential early-stage markets, implement innovative approaches to stimulate demand, and enhance marketing and promotion programs globally.

WISHH Chair Morey Hill outlined how the RAPP funding will allow for the expansion of poultry best management trainings and technology transfer in key West African markets. This initiative aims to build resilient value chains crucial for U.S. Soy trade. Hill also mentioned that the funding would support WISHH's work in South and Southeast Asia, Latin America, and other parts of Africa. He emphasized the importance of trade promotion programs in growing market access, building regional capacity in emerging markets, and addressing technical barriers to entry.

The soybean organizations expressed their appreciation for the support from USDA FAS and Secretary Vilsack, looking forward to leveraging the funding to advance their respective missions in developing agricultural value chains and creating long-term demand for U.S. Soy in emerging markets.

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