USAPEEC allocated $9 million in RAPP funds

USAPEEC has been allocated more than $9 million under the new federal Regional Agricultural Promotion Program (RAPP)for the 2024 fiscal year to help market U.S. poultry and egg products to markets worldwide.

The amount is one of the larger awards granted by the USDA under RAPP to 66 agricultural trade organizations.

The RAPP program was created in 2023 when $1.2 billion in Commodity Credit Corporation funding was authorized to develop less established and traditional markets globally, especially those in Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, and South and Southeast Asia where consumer demand and purchasing power are growing.

USAPEEC President and CEO Greg Tyler said he is thankful for the government’s support and belief in the value of exports and the need to grow existing markets and develop new ones. He said the impact on poultry and egg exports would be significant.

“The positive impact of sustained investment in export promotion is profound, benefiting consumers, businesses, and economies globally, as well as our own U.S. agricultural economy,” Tyler said. “This funding empowers American producers to not only compete in established markets but also to venture into new ones.”

He added, “This new investment builds on the foundational work of previous market development programs and paves the way for advancements in nutrition, sustainability, and economic growth through American agriculture. In an era of rising global competition and persistent conflicts, the work ahead is critical, and we are eager to collaborate to achieve impactful results.”

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said, “By enabling U.S. exporters to expand their footprint in diverse and dynamic new markets, RAPP will help make them more competitive and resilient in an increasingly volatile global trading environment.

“We know the potential is out there, but it takes time and money to grow new markets. USDA is pleased to be able to provide the start-up capital to help tap into these opportunities, because if we are serious about reversing the decline of small and mid-sized farms, and building wealth that stays in rural communities, it’s crucial that we create and sustain diverse market opportunities abroad as well as at home.”

USAPEEC has been allocated $9,025,000 of $300 million to utilize in the USDA-deemed priority markets of Latin America and Caribbean, Africa, South and Southeast Asia, as well as the Middle East, Central Asia, Japan, and Korea. Allocations for awarded groups, range from $117,000 to $28.5 million.

The remaining RAPP program funds from the $1.2 billion authorized total are to be allocated at regular intervals in the coming years.