Renderers receive nearly $1.8 million in federal funding to strengthen global markets

The North American Renderers Association welcomed USDA’s announcement Feb. 11 of 2026 export-market development-program allocations, with NARA designated to receive nearly $1.8 million through the Market Access Program and Foreign Market Development program to support U.S. rendered-product exports abroad.

The MAP and FMD allocations reflect the administration’s ongoing commitment to strengthening U.S. agricultural exports and ensuring American producers remain competitive in global markets.

NARA praised the leadership of President Donald J. Trump and Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins in prioritizing export growth and market expansion for U.S. agriculture.

“USDA’s continued investment in MAP and FMD funding reflects its recognition of the strategic importance of export promotion and market diversification for U.S. agricultural producers and processors,” said Kent Swisher, NARA president and CEO.

“These funds provide essential support that allows our industry to compete and grow in dynamic global markets,” Swisher said.

NARA leverages MAP and FMD resources to build market demand, support foreign regulatory and plant-registration efforts, intervene during trade disruptions and cultivate trusted relationships with overseas trading partners.

Maintaining in-country representation—particularly where other programs may not be eligible—often makes the difference between success and stagnation in these markets.

“Our annual MAP and FMD allocations are critically important to our ability to have staff and activities in Greater China—including Hong Kong—and Mexico because those markets are not currently eligible for the $6.3 million funding we received under the RAPP program,” said Dana Johnson Downing, NARA’s senior vice president of international programs. “These trade facilitation efforts are essential for helping members navigate commercial and regulatory issues and having dedicated local representation helps build trust with our trading partners that simply can’t be replicated remotely.”

The MAP and FMD programs—long foundational pillars of USDA’s export-market development strategy—support a wide range of activities that expand the reach of U.S. agriculture, increase competitiveness and help U.S. industries adapt to shifting global demand.