Feb 11, 2026

USDA awards $212M to expand U.S. agricultural exports

The Organic Trade Association (OTA) is among the recipients of USDA Market Access Program (MAP) funding for fiscal year 2026, supporting efforts to promote U.S. organic products in global markets.

Overall, USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) will award more than $212 million through the MAP and Foreign Market Development (FMD) programs to help expand export markets for U.S. food and agricultural products.

The MAP and FMD programs are longstanding cost-share partnerships that help producers build and maintain a competitive presence in the global marketplace according to a news release.

“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 that these resources are deployed efficiently and effectively and that decisions are farmer-driven.”

For fiscal year 2026, FAS will provide more than $181 million to 68 nonprofit organizations and cooperatives through MAP. The program supports a range of consumer-focused promotion for small businesses and cooperatives and is used by organizations representing fruits, nuts, processed foods and intermediate bulk commodities.

On average, MAP participants contribute more than $2.50 for every federal dollar invested, according to USDA.

Through the FMD program, FAS will allocate more than $31 million for fiscal year 2026 to 18 trade organizations representing U.S. agricultural producers. FMD supports long-term market development with a focus on generic commodity promotion with preference is given to organizations that represent broad industry sectors with nationwide membership.

On average, FMD cooperators contribute $3.25 per federal dollar invested.

Lists of MAP and FMD awardees are available online.