The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced an additional allocation of $300 million through the Regional Agricultural Promotion Program (RAPP) to enhance American agricultural exports, as declared by Deputy Agriculture Secretary Xochitl Torres Small today. This funding aims to bolster U.S. farmers by broadening access to global markets and is part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the country’s farm income and rural economic development.
Launched in 2023, RAPP was initially funded by $1.2 billion from the Commodity Credit Corporation, reflecting the administration's commitment to diversifying and expanding markets for U.S. producers well beyond traditional powerhouses like China, Mexico, and Canada. The response to the program has been overwhelmingly positive, with the first $300 million released earlier this year attracting over a billion dollars in proposed market development projects.
"This additional funding of $300 million underscores our commitment to supporting America's farmers by enhancing their competitiveness globally," said Deputy Secretary Torres Small. She highlighted the strategic importance of this initiative in fostering food security worldwide and supporting the U.S. agriculture sector's expansion into underrepresented markets.
Particularly noteworthy is the earmarked $25 million specifically for projects in Africa, targeting one of the fastest-growing economic regions globally yet one that has seen minimal investment from U.S. agricultural exporters.
Organizations interested in the second round of RAPP funding have until October 4 to apply, with the USDA expecting to announce funding allocations by the end of this year. This initiative is a continuation of the USDA's broader agenda under the Biden-Harris Administration, which focuses on creating more resilient, fair, and sustainable food systems locally and globally.
For more details on the program and application process, stakeholders are encouraged to visit the USDA's official page at fas.usda.gov/programs/regional-agricultural-promotion-program. As part of its mission, the USDA remains committed to enhancing food access, advancing agricultural practices, and promoting equity throughout its operations and policies.
