Source:  Rita Jane Gabbett, MEATINGPLACE.COM, 5/2011

At a time when every government program is vulnerable to funding cuts, more than 120 groups signed a letter to legislators asking that two agricultural export programs be saved from the chopping block.

The Coalition to Promote U.S. Agricultural Exports are urging the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies to maintain funding for USDA export programs when it considers the fiscal 2012 Agriculture Appropriations bill on May 24.  

The letter asks that the Market Access Program (MAP) be funded at no less than $200 million for fiscal 2012, as authorized in the 2008 Farm Bill and that the Foreign Market Development (FMD) program to be funded at no less than $34.5 million, as authorized in the 2008 farm bill.

The groups cited the Obama administration’s goal of doubling U.S. exports over five years. “For agriculture, MAP and FMD are key tools in making this a successful effort,” the letter said.

The letter noted MAP is a public-private partnership and is 60 percent funded by the agricultural industry, up from 45 percent in 1996 and less than 30 percent in 1991. “Clearly, U.S. producers and industry are committed to the program.”   

An agriculture industry consultant in Washington told Meatingplace the programs are vulnerable to cuts or even elimination as legislators try to meet budget targets.

Groups signing the letter included, among others: American Meat Institute, U.S. Meat Export Federation, National Chicken Council, National Turkey Federation, National Pork Producers Council and National Cattlemen’s Beef Association.
 

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