The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing an additional $300 million (€280 million) in the Regional Agricultural Promotion Program (RAPP) to expand US food and agricultural exports in emerging global markets. This second round of grants will be distributed to 67 agricultural organisations, bringing the total funding for RAPP in 2024 to over $600 million (€560 million).
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack stated that RAPP plays a vital role in helping US producers and agribusinesses remain competitive globally. He added that the Biden-Harris administration’s trade policies have led to record exports and strengthened relationships with current and future trading partners.
The second round of funding includes grants for the pet food industry, with the American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) receiving $1 million (€930,000), the North American Renderers Association (NARA) awarded $3 million (€2.8 million), and the Pet Food Institute (PFI) receiving $1.65 million (€1.5 million).
Constance Cullman, president and CEO of AFIA, expressed appreciation for the USDA’s support, emphasising the role of the organisation in promoting US agricultural exports and enhancing global relationships. The feed, feed ingredients, and pet food export value reached $13.4 billion (€12.4 billion) in 2023. NARA’s Senior Vice President of International Programs, Dana Downing, also welcomed the funding, describing it as a vote of confidence in the organisation’s efforts. NARA’s 2025 award will allocate at least $600,000 (€560,000) for market development in Africa.
The USDA’s second-round funding focuses on diversifying export markets in regions with growing consumer demand, such as Africa, Latin America, and South/Southeast Asia. The USDA has set aside $25 million (€23 million) specifically for projects in Africa.
Applications for this round of funding were opened in August 2024. USDA received requests totalling more than $1 billion (€930 million), surpassing the available funds. RAPP is funded by the Commodity Credit Corporation.
