Soybean groups awarded nearly $17 million from USDA to promote US soy in international markets
- American Soybean Association
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The American Soybean Association, the U.S. Soybean Export Council and the World Initiative for Soy in Human Health announced Feb. 11 that the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service has allocated more than $16.8 million in Market Access Program and Foreign Market Development funds to support the promotion of U.S. soy in international markets during the 2026 program year.
“The FMD and MAP programs are essential tools that enable American soybean farmers to compete and succeed in the global marketplace,” said ASA CEO Stephen Censky. “Through our partnerships with USSEC and WISHH, ASA strategically leverages these resources to build long-term capacity and demand for U.S. soy around the world.”
Historically, U.S. market-development programs have proven to deliver powerful returns helping to ensure U.S. farmers stay competitive in feeding a growing world.
A 2022 study examining 17 years of USDA investments in market development found that every dollar invested returned $24.50.
“These program investments are vital for helping U.S. soy sustain and expand global market opportunities by building partnerships, addressing customer needs and delivering the transparency and sustainability that international buyers value,” said USSEC CEO Jim Sutter. “We are grateful to USDA-FAS for championing U.S. agricultural-export trade efforts around the world.”
This year’s allocation represents a 5.6 percent increase from 2025 funding levels, underscoring continued confidence in U.S. soy’s contribution to the U.S. economy as a vital supplier in global food, feed and fuel systems.
In marketing year 2024-’25, 68.7 million metric tons of U.S.-grown whole soybeans, soybean meal and soybean oil valued at $29.6 billion was exported—a 12.8 percent increase in year-over-year volume and a 2.95 percent gain over the five-year average.
The funding will be distributed via ASA, the cooperator of record for U.S. soy’s participation in the MAP and FMD programs, to USSEC and WISHH to enhance market access, technical support and demand-creation activities through strategic market development in emerging, developing, expansion and mature markets worldwide, creating long-term demand and expanded trade opportunities for U.S.-grown soybeans.
