Market Development Programs

A Strategic Public-Private Partnership

USAEDC members work closely with the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) to develop and implement market development strategies. This public-private partnership is built on shared goals, cost-sharing principles and mutual accountability.

FAS provides funding, technical support and overseas infrastructure.
Members contribute strategic planning, industry expertise and financial resources.
Together, they conduct trade missions, market research, educational programs, in-store promotions and more.

This partnership allows U.S. agriculture to compete globally by leveraging both government and industry strengths. Industry contributions now represent nearly 60% of total annual spending on market development.

Program Effectiveness and Economic Impact

USDA’s Market Access Program (MAP) and Foreign Market Development (FMD) programs have proven to be highly effective. According to a 2022 Economic Impact Study of USDA Export Market Development Programs, these two programs alone generated $7.75 billion in export revenue from $59.45 million in government spending, contributed $23.27 billion to GDP and supported $6.03 billion in employment income. Each $1 billion in agricultural exports supports 8,000 to 9,000 U.S. jobs.

USDA Market Development Programs

USAEDC members participate in several USDA programs that support market development:

Market Access Program (MAP)

Focus: Promotion of generic and branded U.S. products
Activities: Technical assistance, trade servicing, trade shows, international marketing, consumer education and promotional activities

Foreign Market Development (FMD)

Focus: Long-term development of generic U.S. commodities
Activities: Technical assistance, trade servicing

Regional Agricultural Promotion Program (RAPP)

Focus: To diversify and expand market opportunities for U.S. food and agricultural products beyond the traditional top customers
Activities: Technical assistance, trade servicing, trade shows, international marketing, consumer education and promotional activities

America First Trade Promotion Program

Focus: Promotion of generic U.S. commodities
Activities: International marketing and promotional activities

Emerging Markets Program (EMP)

Focus: Technical assistance in low- to middle-income countries
Activities: Feasibility studies, training, trade missions

Quality Samples Program (QSP)

Focus: Product sampling and technical demonstrations
Activities: Sample exports, importer education

Technical Assistance for Specialty Crops (TASC)

Focus: Overcoming trade barriers for specialty crops
Activities: Research, workshops, pre-clearance programs