A bipartisan and bicameral Bill entitled the Expanding Agricultural Exports Act aims to increase agricultural exports.  The Bill, if enacted, would double funding for the Market Access (MAP) and the Foreign Market Development (FMD) programs.

Legislators supporting the Bill include Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Susan Collins (R-ME); Angus King (I-ME); Joni Ernst (R-IA) and Tina Smith (D-MN) and Dan Newhouse (R-WA) in the House.

Senator Ernst stated, “The continued success and growth of Iowa and the American agricultural industry is dependent on strong trade.  The MAP and FMD programs are critical to ensure that Iowa farmers have strong commodity markets and export opportunities, adding value to the farmers’ bottom line and our state’s economy.”

The proposed Act would double funding for the MAP to $400 million and for the FMD programs by $70 million.  Funds are applied to overseas marketing and promotional activities by       nonprofit agricultural trade organizations, state and regional trade groups, cooperatives and small businesses.  Commodities require a ten percent match and for branded products a dollar-for-dollar match is required.