New USDA Initiative Aims to Expand Export Opportunities for U.S. Potatoes
In October 2023, Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack launched the Regional Agricultural Promotion Program (RAPP) to enhance demand for American food and farm exports in high-potential markets worldwide. This initiative presents a significant opportunity for the potato industry, with Potatoes USA actively engaging with industry leaders and global partners to leverage the new grant funding.
Last month, Secretary Vilsack announced that Potatoes USA would receive $6.5 million from RAPP’s initial funding round. This allocation will support a range of activities designed to diversify market development opportunities and expand export channels for U.S. potatoes.
The funding aims to bolster efforts in several key areas:
- Market Expansion: Identifying and penetrating new international markets with high growth potential for U.S. potatoes.
- Promotional Campaigns: Developing targeted marketing strategies to increase the visibility and appeal of U.S. potatoes abroad.
- Trade Missions: Organizing and participating in trade missions to build relationships with foreign buyers and importers.
- Research and Development: Investing in research to better understand market dynamics and consumer preferences in different regions.
By capitalizing on RAPP funding, Potatoes USA aims to not only increase the volume of potato exports but also enhance the global competitiveness of U.S. potatoes. The initiative aligns with broader efforts to ensure that American farmers and food producers can benefit from expanding international trade opportunities.
