The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced the launch of the America First Trade Promotion Program, allocating $285 million in fiscal year 2026 to strengthen agricultural exports and open new global markets for American food and farm products.
The funding comes a year earlier than originally scheduled, as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act had authorized the additional $285 million per year for trade promotion programs beginning in fiscal year 2027.
"We thank USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins and the Trump administration for recognizing the urgency and importance of trade promotion at this critical time," said Brendan Wilson, chief executive officer and executive director of Food Export-Midwest and Food Export-Northeast.
The program will focus on helping small and medium-sized food and agricultural companies increase exports, address trade barriers, and showcase U.S. agricultural products in new and growing markets. USDA will collaborate with cooperators, industry stakeholders, and state regional trade groups to deliver resources supporting education, buyer introductions, and targeted promotional strategies.
"Trade promotion activities directly contribute to community prosperity by building reliable pathways to new markets, and there is strong consumer demand for quality U.S. products," Wilson added.
If granted, the funding would significantly expand the Branded Program, which provides up to 50 percent reimbursement for marketing activities outside the U.S.
Food Export-Midwest and Food Export-Northeast will continue working with USDA's Foreign Agricultural Service and state departments of agriculture to help suppliers expand exports and reach new global markets.
