Rep. Schrier Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Promote Trade, Increase Global Competitiveness for Farmers and Exporters

ISSAQUAH, WA – Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) recently introduced bipartisan legislation that would increase funding to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) export promotion programs, the Market Access Program (MAP) and Foreign Market Development Program (FMDP). These programs help farmers around the country stay competitive in a global marketplace and ensure there are markets for their agriculture products.

“The Market Access Program and the Foreign Market Development Program have proven to help local farmers and growers in my district bring their top-quality products, including apples, cherries, and wheat to customers around the world, unlocking economic opportunity on a global scale for local businesses of the 8th District,” said Rep. Schrier. “I'm proud to be an original cosponsor of this legislation that increases funding for these programs to help the agriculture community face the challenges of rising costs, supply chain issues, and low crop yields.”

Washington state is one of the leading export states in the country and according to a report done by the Washington Council on International Trade (WCIT), Washington-grown agriculture and processed food exports totaled $7.7 billion in 2021.

The two programs that would receive increased funding under this legislation, the MAP and FMDP, provide resources to farmers and exporters. The Market Access Program allows agricultural trade associations, farmer cooperatives, non-profit trade groups, and small businesses to apply for either generic or brand-specific promotion funds to support exporting efforts. The FMDP is largely used for the promotion of bulk commodities, helping agricultural trade associations establish a permanent presence in important markets.

This legislation was introduced with Reps. Dan Newhouse (R-WA), Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), Tracey Mann (R-KS), Jim Costa (D-CA), Brad Finstad (R-MN), Ashley Hinson (R-IA), and Chellie Pingree (D-ME). Companion legislation was also introduced in the U.S. Senate by Senators Ernst (R-IA), Grassley (R-IA), Collins (R-ME), King (I-ME), and Smith (D-MN).