The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced on Feb. 11 that it will allocate $212 million through its Foreign Market Development (FMD) and Market Access Program (MAP) to 86 agricultural trade organizations, reinforcing U.S. export competitiveness at a time of tight margins, volatile commodity prices, and global trade uncertainty. The funding, administered by USDA's Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS), is designed to expand market access, strengthen the supply chain, and build long-term demand for U.S. food, fuel, and fiber abroad - critical pillars for farm income stability in 2026.

This year, FAS will distribute more than $31 million to 18 organizations under FMD and over $181 million to 68 groups through MAP, marking year-over-year increases of $4 million and $9 million respectively. The cost-share programs leverage private-sector capital to promote U.S. commodities overseas, helping offset rising input costs and supporting rural economies.

"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. "Partnering with industry ensures these resources are deployed efficiently and farmer-driven."

The announcement comes as U.S. producers face narrowing margins due to softening commodity prices in corn and soybeans, continued livestock market volatility, and elevated transportation and crop insurance costs. Expanding export demand remains central to supporting yields, farm profitability, and the broader agricultural supply chain.

Among the largest beneficiaries were the American Soybean Association (ASA), the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF), and the U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council (USGBC) - organizations representing cornerstone U.S. commodities.

The American Soybean Association received $7.8 million under FMD - the largest FMD award - and $6.8 million under MAP. ASA represents nearly 500,000 soybean farmers across 30 states and works closely with global partners to build demand for U.S. soy in food, feed, and biofuels markets.

The U.S. Meat Export Federation secured $910,485 through FMD and just over $14 million via MAP, the largest MAP allocation. With red meat exports contributing billions annually to U.S. livestock revenue, USMEF plays a key role in maintaining market share for beef, pork, and lamb in nearly 100 countries.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council was awarded nearly $4 million under FMD and $8.62 million under MAP to support exports of corn, sorghum, barley, ethanol, and co-products. As renewable fuels and feed grains remain integral to both domestic and global supply chains, export development is viewed as essential to balancing production and supporting commodity prices.

Both MAP and FMD are authorized under the farm bill and operate as cost-share partnerships between USDA and commodity groups, co-ops, and trade associations. Historically, these programs have delivered strong returns on investment, with USDA estimating that every dollar invested in export promotion generates multiple dollars in agricultural export revenue.

In a period marked by geopolitical shifts, currency fluctuations, and tightening competition from Brazil and the Black Sea region, export promotion has become a strategic lever for maintaining U.S. agricultural leadership. For producers navigating drought pressures - as reflected in the Feb. 10 U.S. Drought Monitor - and uncertain yields, diversified export channels help buffer risk.

As policymakers debate the next farm bill framework, funding increases for MAP and FMD signal continued bipartisan recognition of trade's role in supporting farm income and rural economic resilience.

Market Access Program (MAP) Awardees

1: MAP Awardees (A-C)

2: MAP Awardees (D-N)

3: MAP Awardees (P-U.S.)

4: MAP Awardees (W)