Bill > HR1086

This bill aims to extend and expand two key agricultural export promotion programs by amending the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978. The bill highlights the significant economic benefits of these programs, which have historically added approximately $9.6 billion annually to U.S. agricultural export values, generated a $24.50 return for every dollar invested, and supported up to 225,800 jobs. The proposed changes include extending the programs from 2019-2023 to 2025-2029 and substantially increasing funding: the Market Access Program's funding would rise from $255 million to $489.5 million, and the Foreign Market Development Cooperator Program's funding would increase from $200 million to $400 million. The legislation is motivated by concerns that U.S. agricultural export promotion has been underfunded relative to foreign competitors, with program funding remaining static since 2006 and 2002 despite inflation. An academic analysis suggests that doubling public funding and increasing private contributions could generate approximately $7.4 billion in additional annual agricultural exports, helping U.S. producers maintain competitiveness in international markets.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/1086/all-info