Ag Groups Pleased With Trade Promotion Funding

The Washington Apple Commission wasn’t the only organization to get Trade Promotion funding from the USDA last week.  USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom says they appreciate the Trump Administration’s recognition of the extremely competitive environment U.S. agricultural products face in the global marketplace.

“The administration also appreciates how changes in trading partners’ tariff rates can put these products at a significant disadvantage,” Halstrom said.  “This funding will help us defend existing market share and develop new destinations for U.S. agricultural produtcs.”

U.S. Wheat Associates and the National Association of Wheat Growers are also pleased that the nation’s wheat growers now have an opportunity to increase efforts to expand export market access, thanks to the $200 million in funding.

“U.S. wheat growers are facing tough times right now with the impact of retaliatory tariffs putting a strain on the export market and threatening many decades worth of market development,” said USW Chair Chris Kolstad.

The United States exports half the wheat crop it grows so programs like the Agricultural Trade Promotion Program are crucial.  “The program helps our farmers to remain competitive in the global market,” said NAWG President Jimmie Musick. “We are pleased that our sister organization, U.S. Wheat Associates, was awarded significant funding for trade mitigation activities.”

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