U.S. agricultural producers are the direct and indirect beneficiaries of these programs through the additional economic activity generated by increased export volume and value of U.S. agricultural products.  Market development activities resulting from the partnership between producer organizations, state regional trade groups, farmer cooperatives, small businesses and USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service provide information, technical and trade services, and coordinated market access efforts that create, maintain and expand export markets for U.S. produced agricultural commodities and value-added products.

The Foreign Market Development (FMD) Program is designed to establish an on-ground country or regional presence, identify new markets and address long-term foreign import constraints and export growth opportunities through:

Market Research

Investigating volume of in-country product, suitability/viability of in-country product,  compatibility of US product, variables to market success, importance of other competing countries, history of product domestically/internationally, competitiveness of U.S. product, infrastructure capabilities, access to importers/processors/retailers

Market Analysis

Determining size of current market, potential size with improved market environment, opportunity for U.S. exports and likely U.S. share, impediments to trade, political situation, demographics, economic stability, long-term viability of in-country demand, government accessibility and regulatory environment for market access, reliability of supply

Market Development

Supporting long-term presence of people and office facilities in key markets to develop sound and expanding trade relationships

Providing technical assistance, capacity building and education that ensure market growth for participating commodities and products

Conducting seminars, trade teams to U.S. to see U.S. production standards and supply infrastructure, U.S. team visits to current and prospective markets to develop supply networks and product specifications to meet local market needs.

The Market Access Program (MAP) is designed to create, maintain and expand existing markets to generate the greatest benefits for all producer sectors through:

Market Expansion

Providing export outlets for the broadest possible mix of U.S. agricultural primary and processed products

Use of rapid-impact market promotion tools, i.e. in-store promotions, targeted messaging and advertising, demonstration projects, trade shows, etc. to influence specific segments of the in-country market.

Conducting information campaigns aimed at importers, traders, media, consumers health professionals, influencers, retailers or  processors

Encouraging small business exports through value-added branded products and services

Providing rapid response ability to take advantage of new or expanded trade agreement opportunities.

Market Maintenance

Collaborating with FAS/Washington, FAS posts, APHIS and FSIS in responding quickly to Sanitary/Phyto-Sanitary and Technical Barriers to Trade (SPS/TBT) impediments

Collaborating with in-country buyers and product users to address country and regional market barriers.