Mar 19, 2025

Organic Trade Association secures more than $1 million in USDA funding for export promotion

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has awarded the Organic Trade Association (OTA) more than $1 million in funding to promote U.S. organic products in international markets.

The $1,042,035 in funding comes through the USDA’s Market Access Program (MAP), with $971,393 in new allocations and $70,642 in carryover funds. The award follows an additional $2.5 million granted in late 2024 from the Regional Agricultural Promotional Program (RAPP), bringing OTA’s total RAPP funding to $5 million. The combined support aims to expand U.S. organic exports and facilitate global trade opportunities.

“Consumers around the world are choosing organic,” said Sarah Gorman, manager of international trade for OTA. “Our activities showcase and educate key markets on the quality, integrity and variety of USDA-certified organic products available for export. This year’s activities are taking place in a wide range of markets — from our more established trading partners to new untapped markets.”

OTA has participated in the USDA’s Market Access Program since 1999, helping to expand the U.S. organic industry’s presence in international markets.

“We’ve created new opportunities for organic businesses through international promotions, organic exporter education, and business-to-business connections,” said Tom Chapman, co-CEO of OTA. “These opportunities don’t just help organic farmers — they also create jobs and economic opportunities across all sectors.”

U.S. organic exports grew by 18% over the past year, according to USDA statistics. Canada and Mexico remain the largest markets, with Japan, Taiwan, South Korea and the United Arab Emirates also serving as key destinations. Vietnam, the Dominican Republic and India have recently emerged as top 10 export markets.

For every $1 invested in export market development, U.S. agricultural exports increase by more than $24, according to USDA estimates. In fiscal year 2025, USDA is providing $172.3 million through MAP to 70 Market Development Program Cooperators.

OTA’s 2025 international activities

OTA’s 2025 promotional activities span multiple regions, including Europe, Asia and the Middle East. The association recently hosted its largest-ever pavilion at Biofach in Germany, the world’s largest organic trade fair, featuring 18 U.S. organic companies. Additional events include Gulfood in Dubai, FoodEx in Tokyo and upcoming trade shows in Singapore, Bangkok and Paris.

With its latest funding, OTA plans to expand consumer promotion efforts in Japan, Canada and Hong Kong, while launching new initiatives in Southeast Asia, Europe and Latin America.

RAPP, introduced in 2023, focuses on diversifying U.S. agricultural export markets, particularly in regions with growing middle-class populations. OTA used RAPP funding in 2024 to support its first engagement in Africa, sponsoring four U.S. organic companies in a trade mission to Morocco. The initiative established key partnerships and laid the groundwork for future organic trade opportunities in West Africa.