USDA may use CCC funds to boost ag exports

According to several news outlets, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is planning to use $1.4 billion in Commodity Credit Corporation funds to boost ag exports through a new program, the Regional Agricultural Promotion Program.

The news comes after U.S. Sens. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), chairwoman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, and John Boozman (R-Ark.), ranking member, sent a letter to USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack highlighting the need to invest in trade promotion and in-kind international food assistance, both of which support American farmers and producers.

“As Congress works toward reauthorizing critical programs in the farm bill, we continue to hear from organizations representing the vast majority of U.S. agriculture about the need to strengthen trade opportunities, increase revenue streams, and help producers grow and thrive in a global economy,” the senators wrote.