WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Chairwoman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, today applauded the first round of funding under the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) new Regional Agriculture Promotion Program (RAPP). The program will provide $300 million in its first year to support trade promotion for American farmers and businesses. The funding is part of a $1.2 billion investment in trade promotion through the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) made at the request of Stabenow and Ranking Member John Boozman (R-AR). It builds upon existing USDA trade promotion programs that continue to support existing activities and markets.

“I am glad to see that USDA is following through on its commitment to invest in strengthening trade opportunities, increase revenue streams, and help American farmers thrive in a global economy. Farmers have been clear that this is one of their top priorities. Today’s announcement will develop new markets for American agriculture and put American-grown food on tables around the world. I look forward to continuing to work with the Administration and farmers on this exciting new program that will effectively double trade promotion investments.”

In October, USDA announced that it will use its authorities under the CCC to provide $2.3 billion to invest in trade promotion and in-kind international food assistance, both of which support American farmers and producers.

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