USDBC Submits Request for New Funding under ATP

Earlier this month we submitted our request for new market development funding to USDA/FAS as part of the Agricultural Trade Program (ATP). The ATP is offered by USDA/FAS as a one-time allocation of funding to assist U.S. agricultural exporters develop new markets and mitigate the adverse effects of other country’s tariff and non-tariff barriers.  For the U.S. dry bean industry, the 25% tariffs on all U.S. dry bean imports to the EU has been particularly challenging as the EU is our top regional export market. Dry bean exports are already down 20% for the period January – September, 2018 compared to the same period in 2017
(Source:  GATS).USDBC’s ATP proposal includes a request for $2.5 million in new funding for activities around the world, designed to offset these trade losses.  The proposal is broad based but a few highlights include:

-A global buyers conference in the EU

-Participation in the South American version of ANUGA

-Market exploration in the Andean region and the most dynamic markets of Sub Saharan Africa

-Support for activities in recognition of Global Pulse Day

While we don’t anticipate getting our full funding request, we do anticipate significant new trade assistance in 2019.  We thank our partners at USDA/FAS for their efforts to mitigate the impact of trade disputes and their continued support of our market development work.