U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar, Tina Smith Announce Funding to Help Grow Global Export Markets for Minnesota Producers

MINNEAPOLIS - U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith (both D-MN) announced funding from the Regional Agricultural Promotion Program (RAPP) to help grow export markets for American farm and food products around the world. The additional $300 million investment will go to organizations across the U.S. to implement market development projects focusing on a wide range of products and agricultural markets.

"Boosting America's agricultural exports is great for Minnesota farmers and rural economies," said Klobuchar. "This funding will help farmers enter the global export market and maintain America's leadership in agricultural exports."

"Minnesota has long been a linchpin in America's agricultural market, and I'm proud to advocate for projects that enable farmers in Minnesota to expand their production and stay competitive in the global market," said Senator Smith. "This investment will help to expand our export policies worldwide, allowing farmers in Minnesota to establish, build, and maintain their partnerships in international markets."

Secretary of the Department of Agriculture (USDA) Tom Vilsack announced in October 2023 that USDA would establish RAPP to help U.S. exporters expand their customer base beyond markets such as China, Mexico and Canada, which account for nearly half of all current exports. In this round of funding, USDA is allocating $25 million specifically for Africa, which has the some of the fastest-growing economies in the world.

For more information about RAPP and how to apply, click here. Applications are due on October 4, 2024.

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