USDA Launches Aggressive 3-Point Trade Plan to Put American Agriculture First
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is taking bold steps to support American agriculture on the global stage. Last week, Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins and Undersecretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Luke Lindberg unveiled a new three-point trade strategy aimed at expanding market access, enforcing trade commitments, and boosting rural prosperity.
“President Trump is putting American agriculture first by negotiating fair reciprocal deals that benefit U.S. producers, farmers and ranchers,” said Secretary Rollins.
At the core of the USDA’s announcement is an aggressive push for trade equity and a major investment in market promotion and development. One of the top priorities is launching a new initiative called the America First Promotion Program.
“Market promotion support, along with rapid response to reciprocal trade agreements and better financing programs that will translate into chipping away at the 50 billion dollar agricultural deficit.”
A key part of the plan is the proposed “One Big, Beautiful Bill Act”, which would authorize $285 million per year for agricultural trade promotion efforts. In a major move, USDA will kickstart the program one year early, allocating $285 million immediately to launch the America First Promotion Program.
Additionally, the USDA will roll out a new model for trade missions, supplementing its current efforts to better target reciprocal trade partners and emerging markets. These missions aim to establish stronger connections between U.S. exporters and foreign buyers, particularly in markets where fair, reciprocal trade agreements are a priority.
“Also, USDA will launch a new model of trade missions and supplemental to the one that’s already going and targeting reciprocal trade and deal countries and new market access opportunities.”
By focusing on fair trade, market access, and promotion, the USDA’s plan underscores its commitment to putting American farmers and ranchers first. These new strategies aim to make a meaningful dent in the $50 billion agricultural trade deficit and secure long-term success for U.S. agriculture.
Audio Reporting by Tyron Spearman for Southeast AgNet.