USDA opens application process for RAPP funding

This week, USDA opened for applications to its new Regional Agricultural Promotion Program (RAPP). RAPP will finance market development opportunities to increase exports and diversify markets for agricultural producers. It was established in October after the Senate Agriculture Committee leaders sent Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack a request to support agricultural producers by investing in trade promotion and food assistance. USDA will make $1.2 billion available over five years; USDA has made $300 million available for 2024. Interested parties can learn more and apply for funding here.

President’s Export Council approves agriculture recommendations

On Wednesday, the President’s Export Council convened for its fall meeting. The President’s Export Council, which is the main national advisory committee on international trade, met to discuss three letters of policy recommendations, including one on agricultural trade. The recommendations in the agriculture letter included increasing collaboration on diversifying the U.S. agricultural supply chain, establishing a robust agricultural trade agenda, enforcing existing trade agreements, and leading on international sustainability and climate efforts. The recommendation letter was adopted by the Council without any objections. A copy of the letter can be found here and a recording of the event can be found here.