U.S. ag targets $213 million for exports

   The U.S. Department of Agriculture will allocate $213 million to about 70 U.S. agricultural organizations for export promotion purposes. 
   Over the years, USDA’s international market development programs have had a significant impact on U.S. agricultural exports. An independent study released in 2010 found that for every $1 spent by government and industry on market development, U.S. food and agricultural exports increase by $35. 
   Under the Foreign Market Development Program, USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service will distribute $29.7 million to 24 trade organizations that represent U.S. agricultural producers. The organizations, which must contribute a minimum 50 percent cost share toward the program, will conduct activities that help maintain or increase demand for U.S. agricultural commodities overseas. 
   Through the Market Access Program, the agency will provide $183 million to 67 nonprofit organizations and cooperatives. The program’s participants must contribute a minimum 10 percent match for generic marketing and promotion activities and a dollar-for-dollar match for promotion of branded products by small businesses and cooperatives. 
   According to the USDA, U.S. farm exports in fiscal year 2011 reached a record high of $137.4 billion—exceeding past highs by $22.5 billion—and supported 1.15 million American jobs. The agricultural trade surplus stands at a record $42.9 billion. USDA also forecasts that new trade agreements with South Korea, Colombia and Panama will add an additional $2.3 billion to the farm economy and support about 20,000 American jobs. 
   Complete lists of the allocations are available on the USDA web site and here.