ASTA Calls for Continued Support for Critical Ag Export Programs
- On June 1, 2017
ASTA is calling on Congress to oppose the administration’s proposal to eliminate key USDA programs supporting agricultural exports for U.S. farmers and ranchers. It is estimated that elimination of the Market Access Program (MAP) and Foreign Market Development Program (FMD) would result in the loss of $14.7 billion in U.S. agricultural exports per year.
“MAP and FMD are incredibly effective public-private partnership programs offering a huge return on investment,” said Andrew W. LaVigne. “These programs have a track-record of success in resolving technical trade barriers to the movement of seed and other agriculture commodities around the globe, and maintaining the leadership role of U.S. agriculture at the international level.”
ASTA has used these funds for decades to represent the U.S. seed industry in international forums that determine an array of seed movement policies. New policies take years to establish, and having a consistent U.S. presence is critical to ensuring international policies are aligned with our interests. Learn more here.
