News

USLGE is pleased to announce that it will be receiving an additional $4,750,000 from the USDA's Foreign Agricultural Service (USDA-FAS) in the 2nd round (FY2025) of 5 tranches of Regional Agricultural Promotion Program (RAPP) funding. Of the total FY2025 RAPP funds allocated to USLGE, $1.25 million are designated specifically for USLGE member National Association of Animal Breeders (NAAB), with $625,000 of that to be spent by NAAB on projects for marketing U.S. livestock genetics in Africa.

“This 2nd round of RAPP funding makes it possible for USLGE and its members to bring the benefits of U.S. livestock genetics to almost every corner of the world while providing an incredible return on investment for its membership,” says Dr. Martin Sieber, President and CEO of USLGE. “We appreciate this strong endorsement by USDA-FAS of USLGE's role as the leader and national trade association for U.S. livestock genetics.”

U.S. genetics can play a crucial role in enhancing livestock herd development and promoting sustainable agricultural practices globally. USLGE’s efforts in RAPP emphasized regions will contribute to improved animal breeding, reduced environmental impact, and increased productivity.

For more information, contact Enrique Crotto, USLGE RAPP consultant, at ecrotto@uslge.org.

USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the 2nd round of Regional Agricultural Promotion Program (RAPP) grants, which is intended to allocate $300 million to 67 partners, expanding U.S. food and agricultural exports in emerging global markets. This latest investment brings total RAPP funding to $600 million in 2024.

The new grants aim to diversify export markets in regions with rising consumer demand and purchasing power, including Africa, Latin America/the Caribbean, and South/Southeast Asia. These regions offer significant opportunities for U.S. producers seeking to establish a stronger foothold in dynamic and growing markets.

Source: USDA (Press Release No. 0250.24, December 19, 2024)

The International Brangus Breeders Association (IBBA) and U.S. Livestock Genetics Export, Inc., (USLGE) lead global efforts for the development and promotion of livestock genetics, connecting breeders around the world. [Article in Spanish]

Source: Revista Brangus, El Anuario 2024, December 2024, page 12

USDA's Foreign Agricultural Service (FSA) Administrator Daniel Whitley arrived in Casablanca on December 2 to begin a USDA-sponsored agribusiness trade mission. Whitley is leading a delegation of nearly 50 U.S. agribusinesses and trade groups [including USLGE] and 14 State Departments of Agriculture to expand U.S. farm and food exports to Morocco and other West African markets.

“I am honored to lead this delegation to Casablanca as we work to strengthen vital connections, grow U.S. agricultural exports, and showcase the broad array of products American agriculture has to offer,” said Whitley.

Morocco is the 2nd-largest export market for U.S. agriculture in Africa. U.S. sales of farm and food products to the country topped $619 million last year, representing 16% of U.S. exports to the continent. American agricultural exports to Morocco have doubled since the U.S.-Morocco Free Trade Agreement entered into force in 2006.

Morocco offers a stable market and growing economy and serves as a key distribution hub for the African continent. U.S. exporters have opportunities in numerous sectors, including beef, dairy, feed grains, live animals and genetics, rice, seafood, seed potatoes, soybeans, and tree nuts.

Source: USDA-FAS Newsroom, News Release (Dec. 2, 2024)

USDA's Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) is accepting applications for a trade mission to Guatemala City, Guatemala, March 3-7, 2025. This will be the 2nd USDA-FAS agribusiness trade mission in 2025.

"We are excited to return to Guatemala after our successful 2018 mission," said FAS Administrator Daniel Whitley. "This trade mission offers an ideal platform to deepen trade ties in the region."

Guatemala is the largest economy and population center in Central America, and projections suggest continued economic growth. In 2023, Guatemala imported $1.7 billion in U.S. agricultural products, and it became the top market in the region. Honduras and El Salvador imported $1.3 billion and $800 million, respectively. Under the Central America-Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement, all remaining tariffs will phase out by 2025 and further strengthen the position of U.S. products in the region.

The trade mission will provide participants with the opportunity to meet directly with buyers from Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador through tailored business-to-business meetings. FAS staff and regional experts will also lead market briefings, site visits, and networking events.

The deadline to apply for the Guatemala trade mission is Tuesday, December 3, 2024. For more information or to apply, visit fas.usda.gov/topics/trade-missions/guatemala-march-2025.

Source: USDA-FAS Newsroom, News Release (Nov. 20, 2024)

Representatives from nearly 50 U.S. agribusinesses and trade groups, including USLGE, and 14 State Departments of Agriculture will travel to Casablanca, Morocco, December 2–5, 2024, as part of a USDA trade mission to expand U.S. farm and food exports to Morocco and other West African markets.

“This mission offers a crucial opportunity for U.S. agribusinesses to enter into Morocco dynamic market and leverage its strategic position for wider African access,” said Foreign Agricultural Service Administrator Daniel Whitley, who will lead the mission. “We are dedicated to facilitating these vital connections and expanding U.S. agricultural exports.” 

Morocco is the 2nd-largest export market for U.S. agriculture in Africa. U.S. sales of farm and food products to the country topped $619 million last year, representing 16% of the continent&srquo;s market share. American agricultural exports to Morocco have doubled since the U.S.-Morocco Free Trade Agreement entered into force in 2006.

Morocco offers a stable market and growing economy and serves as a key distribution hub for the African continent. U.S. exporters have opportunities in numerous sectors, including beef, dairy, feed grains, live animals and genetics, rice, seafood, seed potatoes, soybeans, and tree nuts.

Throughout the mission, U.S. company representatives will engage in business-to-business meetings with potential buyers from Morocco and other West African countries including Côte d'Ivoire, The Gambia, and Senegal.

For more information, visit fas.usda.gov/topics/trade-missions/morocco-december-2024.

Source: USDA-FAS Newsroom, News Release (Nov. 18, 2024)