Representative Schrier Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Support Local Farmers and Growers

WASHINGTON, DC - Yesterday, Representative Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) introduced the bipartisan Agriculture Export Promotion Act. This legislation would support Washington farmers and producers by increasing investment in the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Foreign Market Development Program (FMDP) and Market Access Program (MAP), both of which help promote and sustain agriculture exports. Representative Schrier is joined in introducing this legislation by Representatives Newhouse (WA-04), Costa (CA-21), Hinson (IA-02), Finstad (MN-01), Mann (KS-01), Panetta (CA-19), and Pingree (ME-01).

"The Market Access Program and the Foreign Market Development Program have proven to help local farmers and growers in my district bring their top quality products, including apples, cherries, and wheat, to customers around the world, unlocking economic opportunity on a global scale for Eighth District producers," said Representative Schrier. "I'm proud to be an original cosponsor of this legislation that increases funding for these programs to help the agriculture community facing the challenges of rising input costs, supply chain issues, extreme weather, unpredictable yields, US price pressures, and now tariffs."

As a result of President Trump's trade war, Washington farmers are facing the threat of retaliatory tariffs from Canada, Mexico, and China, three of our largest trade partners. This legislation ensures Washington farmers have additional support to export their products ahead of potentially difficult times.

The two programs that would receive increased funding under this legislation, the MAP and FMDP, provide resources to farmers and exporters. The Market Access Program allows agricultural trade associations, farmer cooperatives, non-profit trade groups, and small businesses to apply for either generic or brand-specific promotion funds to support exporting efforts. The FMDP is largely used for the promotion of bulk commodities, helping agricultural trade associations establish a permanent presence in important markets. Under this legislation, funding for the MAP and FMDP would double.

"Farmers in Central Washington, and across the country, rely on strong access to foreign markets and my bipartisan legislation expands these export opportunities," said Representative Newhouse. "By delivering our agricultural products into new markets, we can ensure that American farmers remain competitive on the global stage. I want to thank my colleagues and stakeholders who have supported this effort, and I look forward to advancing this important initiative."

"American farmers are struggling to stay competitive as foreign competitors ramp up their trade promotion efforts," said Representative Panetta. "The bipartisan Ag Export Promotion Act will strengthen the Market Access Program and Foreign Market Development Program, giving our farmers the resources they need to reach new markets, grow their businesses, and support local economies. By making strategic investments in agricultural trade, we can create good-paying jobs at home while keeping American agriculture competitive on the world stage."

"Opening and growing new markets for American-made products is critical to building our agricultural economy," said Representative Costa. "Food is a global security issue, and we must do all we can to reverse disruptions in trade and grow new partnerships that help deliver American products around the world."

"Wild blueberries, potatoes, and lobsters are some of Maine's most iconic agricultural products. In an increasingly globalized marketplace, USDA's Market Access and Foreign Market Development programs have been instrumental in helping our farmers and lobstermen maintain and expand into emerging international markets," said Representative Pingree. "Our bipartisan Agriculture Export Promotion Act recognizes a fundamental truth: American agricultural producers cannot thrive in isolation. By boosting support for these vital programs, our bill will ensure our agricultural producers have the tools to compete, innovate, and reach new markets abroad."

"Robust agricultural trade is essential for the success of America," said Representative Mann. "Congress must responsibly invest taxpayer dollars in places where we can see a wise return on those investments. The Agricultural Export Promotion Act strengthens America's flagship agricultural trade programs, increases American export revenue, adds jobs to the economy, and promotes U.S. agricultural sales overseas while simultaneously supporting rural economies like those in the Big First District. This legislation strengthens the tools in America's toolbox to get the best deal for our agricultural producers in the international marketplace."

"Farmers in southern Minnesota are called to feed and fuel the world, and yet they face a historic agricultural trade deficit of $45.5 billion for this fiscal year," said Representative Finstad. "We must prioritize policies that promote the expansion of agricultural trade, which is why I joined Congressman Newhouse in reintroducing the Agriculture Export Promotion Act. This legislation will make targeted investments to the Market Access Program and the Foreign Market Development Program, which will strengthen and establish new markets around the world for our American farmers and producers."

"The Market Access Program and Foreign Market Development Program have proven to be valuable tools that help American producers access new export markets while offering a strong return on investment," said Representative Hinson. "The Agriculture Export Promotion Act will help ensure that Iowa farmers have greater resources to remain competitive in the global marketplace, improve food security, and support our rural economy."