Market Access Program (MAP)
MAP funding doubles. From $200M annually to $400M (FY2027) and $410M annually (FY2028–2031). Mink trade association prohibition repealed.
What MAP does
The Market Access Program (MAP) is the largest U.S. export promotion program for agricultural products. It provides cost-share funding to U.S. trade associations and cooperatives that promote U.S. agricultural exports through:
- Foreign market research and analysis
- Trade missions and trade shows
- Foreign buyer outreach
- Branded product marketing
- Consumer marketing campaigns
MAP partners include groups like the U.S. Meat Export Federation, Almond Board of California, U.S. Wheat Associates, USA Rice, Cotton Council International, and many others.
What changed in the Farm Bill 2.0
1. Funding doubles
| Fiscal year | MAP funding |
|---|---|
| FY2026 | $200M (current) |
| FY2027 | $400M |
| FY2028 | $410M |
| FY2029 | $410M |
| FY2030 | $410M |
| FY2031 | $410M |
This is the largest single export promotion increase in farm bill history.
2. Mink prohibition repealed
The previous MAP statute prohibited funding to mink industry trade associations. The Farm Bill 2.0 repeals this prohibition, mink associations are now MAP-eligible.
3. Cuba restrictions maintained
The bill maintains existing restrictions on MAP funding for activities that “contravene directives” of the National Security Presidential Memorandum on Cuba.
Who MAP matters for
- U.S. agricultural commodity organizations: direct funding recipients
- U.S. exporters: benefit indirectly through stronger foreign demand
- State trade promotion programs: often coordinate with MAP
- Industry consultants and marketing firms: service providers to MAP-funded campaigns
Application
MAP funding is administered by USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service. Eligible organizations submit Unified Export Strategy applications annually. Approval is competitive.
The doubling of funding will likely:
- Increase the number of approved organizations
- Allow expanded activities by current grantees
- Enable focus on emerging markets that previously couldn’t be served