07.19.19

Hoeven: USDA Awards $100 Million in Trade Promotion Funding for Agriculture Organizations Serving North Dakota Farmers and Ranchers

Funding is Part of $16 Billion Agriculture Assistance Package Hoeven Helped Secure for Producers Impacted by Trade Uncertainty

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven, chairman of the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Committee and a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has awarded $100 million through its Agricultural Trade Promotion Program (ATP) to help access new markets for U.S. agriculture goods. Today’s funding is part of the $16 billion in agriculture assistance the senator helped secure to aid producers impacted by retaliatory tariffs. The funding will be provided to entities supporting North Dakota producers, including: 

  • American Soybean Association – $12.7 million
  • U.S. Grains Council – $6.8 million
  • Food Export Association of the Midwest USA – $6.6 million
  • U.S. Wheat Associates – $2.6 million
  • National Potato Promotion Board – $1.4 million
  • USA Dry Pea and Lentil Council – $650,000
  • U.S. Dry Bean Council – $615,000
  • National Association of State Departments of Agriculture – $184,800

“As chairman of the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Committee, I am working to provide necessary support for not only North Dakota producers, but the nation’s agriculture industry,” said Hoeven. “Our farmers and ranchers can compete with anyone when given a level playing field. While the ultimate goal is to finalize trade agreements, we appreciate USDA working with us to provide opportunities to expand existing markets and open new markets for U.S. agriculture products.” 

Hoeven worked with the administration, including the USDA and the White House, to secure the additional $16 billion in agriculture assistance, which also includes:

  • $14.5 Billion in Market Facilitation Program Payments to producers. All Title I commodities will be covered, including soybeans, wheat, corn, canola and others.
  • $1.4 Billion in Farm Purchases of surplus commodities like fruits, vegetables, beef, pork, poultry and milk for food pantries, school nutrition programs and other organizations. 

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