The American Soybean Association (ASA), alongside the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) and ASA’s World Initiative for Soy in Human Health (WISHH), has voiced strong support for the newly announced America First Trade Promotion Program (AFTPP) from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service.
With $285 million in funding earmarked for 2026, the program is designed to enhance U.S. soybean export development, particularly in non-traditional markets. ASA President Caleb Ragland highlighted that the initiative underscores a commitment to expanding the global reach of American agriculture while providing soybean growers with opportunities to strengthen existing trade relationships and explore new markets.
USSEC Chair Janna Fritz noted that the AFTPP complements current programs such as the Market Access Program and Foreign Market Development, offering additional resources and a strategic focus on emerging markets. WISHH Chair Morey Hill emphasized that the program could open new avenues where demand for animal feed and human food proteins is growing.
The funding is expected to help U.S. soybean farmers diversify export destinations, bolster value-added processing, and demonstrate the sustainability of U.S. soy. By aligning resources with strategic market priorities, the U.S. soy industry aims to increase its competitiveness and support broader agricultural export objectives.
