The U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) and the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) have lauded the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) announcement to invest $2.3 billion in agricultural export promotion and global food aid.
This initiative, funded by the Commodity Credit Corporation, is a response to requests by Senate Agriculture Committee leaders, including Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow, D-MI, and Ranking Member Sen. John Boozman, R-AR.
The USDA plans to dedicate $1.3 billion to the Regional Agricultural Trade Promotion Program and $1 billion to enhance commodity-based international food aid. This significant investment is set to open new opportunities for the U.S. agricultural sector, particularly benefiting dairy farmers and cooperatives.
Jim Mulhern, NMPF's president and CEO, praised the USDA's decision, recognizing it as a crucial step towards cultivating better international market opportunities for America's dairy sector. He called for additional funding for the Market Access Program and Foreign Market Development Program in the next Farm Bill.
Echoing these sentiments, Krysta Harden, USDEC's president and CEO, acknowledged the positive impact of this funding on the entire dairy supply chain. She emphasized the need for expanded trade opportunities to support the industry's growth in the global economy.
This USDA investment marks a pivotal moment for the U.S. dairy industry, offering a pathway to enhanced global competitiveness. It also signifies a commitment to global food security, with the funding poised to support communities in need around the world.
Source : wisconsinagconnection