California Ag Network

Tag: america first trade promotion program

  • Table Grape Commission Awarded $2.2M through Through America First Trade Promotion Program

    The California Table Grape Commission announced a $2.2 million award through the America First Trade Promotion Program to support expanding international marketing efforts to strengthen demand for California table grapes.

    “This award through the America First Trade Promotion Program represents a meaningful investment in the continued success of the California table grape industry and the communities the industry supports,” said Commission President Ian LeMay. “We are grateful to the Trump Administration for recognizing the importance of export market development and for providing tools that help American agriculture compete and thrive in global markets. These resources will allow us to expand strategic promotions in key partner countries and ensure consumers around the world continue to choose grapes from California.”

    California table grapes are exported to more than 60 countries each year, with international markets representing an important component of industry stability and growth. According to the Commission, funding from this award will support retail initiatives in Australia, Mexico, Canada and the United Kingdom, and reinforce California’s position as a global supplier, while supporting growers, shippers and farming communities throughout the San Joaquin and Coachella valleys.

  • USDA Reveals 3-Point Plan to Support U.S. Farmers, Ranchers and Exporters

    Secretary of Agriculture, Brooke L. Rollins and Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs, Luke J. Lindberg, has announced an aggressive three-point plan that will support American agricultural producers and exporters.

    “President Trump is putting American agriculture first by negotiating fair, reciprocal deals that benefit U.S. producers, farmers, and ranchers,” said Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Luke J. Lindberg. “Secretary Rollins is focused on expanding market access, enforcing trade commitments, and boosting rural prosperity. Market promotion support, rapid response to reciprocal trade agreements, and better financing programs will translate to progress in chipping away at the $50 billion agricultural deficit.”

    The three-point plan was announced during remarks at the annual meeting of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture.

    America First Trade Promotion Program

    The One Big Beautiful Bill Act authorized an additional $285 million per year for trade promotion programs beginning in fiscal year 2027. USDA will kickstart that program one year early with $285 million in FY26 and launch the American First Trade Promotion Program.

    T.R.U.M.P. Missions (Trade Reciprocity for U.S. Manufacturers and Producers).

    USDA will launch a new model of trade missions — as a supplement the current model — targeting reciprocal trade deal countries and new market access opportunities. The focus of these will be determined country-by-country to maximize high-return, low-risk agricultural export prospects and connect buyers and sellers.

    Revitalize export finance opportunities

    The GSM-102 credit guarantee program is authorized to offset $5.5 billion in market risk for purchasers of American commodities. Currently, the program has only $2 billion in liabilities on its books. USDA will reinvigorate this program to ensure it is best aligned to facilitate American exports to new markets. The GSM-102 program provides credit guarantees to encourage financing of commercial exports of U.S. agricultural products. By reducing financial risk to lenders, credit guarantees encourage exports to buyers in countries that have sufficient financial strength to have foreign exchange available for scheduled payments.

    “Advancing these programs, as supplements to our existing programs, ensures the health, prosperity, and security of rural America, our farmers, ranchers and producers,” said Lindberg. “Restoring the United States to the Golden Age of the American farmer is an exciting journey and will once again culminate in our status as the breadbasket to the world.”