$2.3B USDA fund aims to elevate U.S. Agri exports

Oct 27, 2023

The agricultural community is buzzing with the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) recent announcement. A generous fund of $2.3 billion from the Commodity Credit Corporation will be directed towards advancing the global reach of U.S. agricultural products and extending international food aid.

Of this amount, the USDA plans to invest $1.3 billion in the Regional Agricultural Trade Promotion Program, with the remaining $1 billion being funneled towards international food aid.

Jim Mulhern, at the helm of the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF), lauds this step. With the U.S. dairy sector's deep reliance on exports, this new injection of funds is anticipated to intensify its global competitive edge. Mulhern also expressed hope that Congress will further fund vital programs like the Market Access Program and the Foreign Market Development Program.

Interestingly, these two programs have not seen a budget hike in over a decade and a half, despite their evident profitability. This has prompted calls from the likes of USDEC and NMPF for increased funding.

Ending on a positive note, Krysta Harden, leading the U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC), conveyed her optimism about the future of the dairy supply chain, reiterating the importance of trade opportunities. With backing from influential Senators and USDA's latest move, the path to broader markets and enriched dairy promotions in food aid appears promising.

Source : wisconsinagconnection

Video: Veteran Farmers: A Legacy of Service in Rural America

Veterans Day is a time to honor the men and women who have selflessly protected our freedoms and values. And for some, the transition from military service to civilian life brings them back to the farm.

At Farm Bureau, we believe it’s important to not only celebrate veterans but also those who continue to make a difference in agriculture and their community. We've partnered with Farm Credit to establish the Veteran Farmer Award of Excellence to shine a light on those who have continued to go above and beyond to serve their communities.

This year, we recognize retired Colonel Joe Ricker as the inaugural Veteran Farmer Award of Excellence winner. Joe served over 30 years in the Army before retiring from the Pentagon and completing tours in both Iraq and Afghanistan. Since leaving the Army, his commitment to excellence in farming and enriching the lives of veterans has blossomed in a myriad of ways in both his local community of Wilkinson, Indiana, and across the country. Joe grows apples and raises bees on his farm in Indiana. Joe founded “Veterans IN Farming,” an organization, now with more than 1,100 members, dedicated to providing veterans in Indiana with the tools and training to succeed in agriculture.

The American Farm Bureau Federation is an independent, non-governmental, voluntary organization, comprised of and directed by farm and ranch families who engage in all types of food, fuel and fiber production.