U.S. agricultural groups and businesses interested in securing federal support for international trade promotion in Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 have a limited time to apply. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) has officially opened the application period for its suite of agricultural trade promotion programs.
According to a recent USDA report, applications for FY 2026 funding are now being accepted for four key programs:
- Market Access Program (MAP)
- Foreign Market Development Cooperator Program (FMD)
- Technical Assistance for Specialty Crops Program (TASC)
- Emerging Markets Program (EMP)
Mark Slupek, Acting Associate Administrator for FAS, confirmed that the application window is open for all four initiatives. The deadline for interested parties to submit their applications is Thursday, June 6, 2025.
Eligibility requirements vary slightly depending on the program. The Market Access Program (MAP), which receives $200 million annually through the Farm Bill, is available to non-profit U.S. agricultural trade organizations, state regional trade groups, U.S. agricultural cooperatives, and state agencies. Slupek noted that MAP funding is also accessible for small companies. “A small company that’s interested in participating in the Market Access Program should reach out to us at the Foreign Agricultural Service so we can connect you to the appropriate participant,” he advised.
The Foreign Market Development (FMD) Cooperator Program targets non-profit U.S. agricultural trade organizations focused on promoting the export of U.S. agricultural commodities.
For both the Emerging Markets Program (EMP) and the Technical Assistance for Specialty Crops (TASC) program, eligibility extends to all United States private or government entities that demonstrate a role or interest in exporting U.S. agricultural commodities or products. TASC funding, however, is specifically focused on addressing technical barriers related to exporting U.S. specialty crops.
Combined, the FMD, TASC, and EMP programs represent approximately $50 million in annual available funding.
These public-private partnerships play a crucial role in supporting the export of a diverse range of American agricultural products, from bulk commodities to specialty crops and value-added goods. They play a crucial role in helping U.S. exporters maintain existing international markets and capitalize on new opportunities, particularly in emerging regions worldwide.
Interested groups seeking more information or wishing to apply should visit the FAS website at www.fas.usda.gov or contact FAS staff directly. Remember, the deadline to apply for FY 2026 funding is June 6, 2025.
