U.S. Reps. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) and Ashley Hinson (R-IA) on Feb. 6 introduced a bipartisan bill to extend and expand two federal programs that would help American farmers better compete in global markets.
Specifically, the Agriculture Export Promotion Act of 2025, H.R. 1086, would increase funding to the Market Access Program (MAP) and Foreign Market Development Program (FMDP).
“Farmers in central Washington, and across the country, rely on strong access to foreign markets and my bipartisan legislation expands these export opportunities,” Rep. Newhouse said. “By delivering our agricultural products into new markets, we can ensure that American farmers remain competitive on the global stage.”
H.R. 1086, which has seven original cosponsors, including Rep. Hinson and U.S. Rep. and Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), has been referred for consideration to the U.S. House Agriculture Committee.
“The [MAP] and [FMDP] have proven to be valuable tools that help American producers access new export markets while offering a strong return on investment,” said Rep. Hinson. “The Agriculture Export Promotion Act will help ensure that Iowa farmers have greater resources to remain competitive in the global marketplace, improve food security, and support our rural economy.”
The MAP, established in 1985, allows agricultural trade associations, farmer cooperatives, nonprofit trade groups, and small businesses to apply for either generic or brand-specific promotion funds to support exporting efforts.
Generic commodity funds are issued with a 10-percent minimum matching fund, while brand-specific funds require a funding match of at least 50 percent, according to a bill summary provided by Rep. Newhouse’s staff.
The FMDP, first developed in 1955, is largely used for the promotion of bulk commodities, helping agricultural trade associations establish permanent presences in important markets. It also includes a matching fund requirement.
USDA export programs like MAP and FDM have added an annual average of $8.15 billion to the value of American agricultural exports, and added up to 239,800 full and part-time jobs, including 90,000 farm sector jobs, the summary says.
Despite these successes, MAP and FMD funding has not increased since the 2002 Farm Bill. If enacted, H.R. 1086 would extend and expand both programs.
The measure is supported by more than 150 organizations, including the International Fresh Produce Association, the American Farm Bureau Federation, the Cherry Marketing Institute, the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture, the National Farmers Union, and the US Cattlemen’s Association, among many others.
“I want to thank my colleagues and stakeholders who have supported this effort, and I look forward to advancing this important initiative,” said Rep. Newhouse.