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Through USDA’s $1.2 billion Regional Agricultural Promotion Program (RAPP), we are diversifying exports and expanding opportunities—pictured: USDA Under Secretary Alexis Taylor in Vietnam. This program has already helped U.S. producers expand their global trade networks and reach new markets. While we remain committed to our established customers, we are also focused on growth opportunities in regions like Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia. These regions are experiencing rising GDPs, expanding middle classes, growing urban populations, and evolving food retail systems—all of which are creating a growing demand for high-quality food and agricultural products. Additionally, the $100 million Assisting Specialty Crop Exports (ASCE) initiative has strengthened the specialty crop sector. Through this program, more than $25 million was awarded to eight innovative projects, helping producers break into international markets and highlighting the diversity of American agriculture. Ultimately, we want to ensure that our foreign market development programs—and agricultural trade in general—work for all American agricultural producers, regardless of size, location, product, or target export market. By investing in exports, we are investing in the future of American agriculture and rural communities. Collaborating to Advance Food Security Global challenges require creative solutions, and USDA’s partnerships have been at the forefront of addressing food insecurity. The $50 million Food for Opportunity pilot, being finalized now with input from our stakeholders, will expand the use of non-traditional, shelf-stable U.S. commodities in international food assistance programs. Food for Opportunity highlights just one way in which USDA is not just seeking to address immediate needs, but rather is creating pathways for sustainable solutions that benefit millions worldwide in the years ahead.
USDA announces the $50 million Food for Opportunity pilot at the 2024 World Food Prize in Iowa—an innovative initiative expanding food assistance to include nontraditional commodities, bringing hope to millions facing hunger worldwide. Celebrating Historic Milestones Our trade missions have set records in participation, diversity, and sales. Since February 2022, we’ve hosted 16 Agribusiness Trade Missions, including the first-ever dedicated missions for Tribal and Native Hawaiian communities. These efforts resulted in nearly 5,500 business meetings and $250 million in projected 12-month sales.  USDA led Agribusiness Trade Missions have set records in participation, diversity, and sales, resulting in nearly 5,500 business meetings and $250 million in projected sales. One of my proudest moments during my time at USDA has been supporting the International Year of the Woman Farmer, a grassroots idea that has become a global initiative. By highlighting women’s leadership in agriculture, USDA has advanced inclusion and created new opportunities across the sector.  USDA joins a fireside chat at –the United States Agricultural Export Development Council, amplifying the International Year of the Woman Farmer and global agricultural opportunities—perfectly timed to reflect on gratitude and growth ahead of Thanksgiving 2024 in Baltimore. A Shared Vision for the Future As I conclude my time at USDA, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the partnerships and trust you have extended. Together, we have not only delivered record-breaking results but also proven the enduring strength of American agriculture on the world stage. Though this chapter closes for me, the journey of innovation, resilience, and collaboration continues with all of you. I look forward to witnessing the incredible progress that lies ahead.
Respectfully, Alexis M. Taylor has served as the U.S. Department of Agriculture Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs since December 2022. She previously served as Director of the Oregon Department of Agriculture from 2017 to 2022. More information about FAS and its work to advance U.S. agricultural interests around the globe is available at www.fas.usda.gov The following GAIN reports were released on January 16, 2025. _______Peru is the third largest export market for U.S. agricultural products in South America. U.S.-origin food and agricultural product exports to Peru benefit significantly from the U.S. - Peru Trade Promotion Agreement (PTPA). The U.S. plays a pivotal role in Peru’s consumer-oriented food sector, accounting for 17 percent of the market share. In 2023, consumer-oriented imports from the world reached $1.9 billion. The growing middle class in Peru seeks high-quality products and there is a positive perception of U.S. food quality, variety, and innovation. E-commerce, modern retail, and foodservice sectors are thriving. For more information, or for an archive of all FAS GAIN reports, please visit gain.fas.usda.gov/. |
USDA Identifies 2025 McGovern-Dole Priority Countries
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), through its administration of the McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program (McGovern-Dole), is the largest global donor to school feeding efforts, providing U.S. agricultural commodities, funding, and technical assistance to reduce hunger, support nutrition, and improve literacy and primary education, especially for girls, around the world. McGovern-Dole is also an integral part in advancing U.S. diplomatic interests and strengthening alliances.
For fiscal year (FY) 2025, USDA has identified the following as priority countries for new McGovern-Dole cooperative agreements: Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Honduras, Mozambique, Pakistan, Senegal, and Sierra Leone. Recommended priority areas within the eight countries identified are also available online.
These priority countries have demonstrated significant need and a national government commitment to school feeding programs, in alignment with the McGovern-Dole authorizing legislation. Applications for McGovern-Dole projects in non-priority countries also remain eligible for consideration.
Each of the cooperative agreement projects will be approximately 5 years in duration. When available, USDA will publish the FY 2025 Notice of Funding Opportunity and information on how to apply on Grants.gov. Visit the McGovern-Dole page to learn more about the program.
The following GAIN reports were released on January 15, 2025.
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Egypt: Egypt--Overview of Walnut Industry
Tree nut production in Egypt is limited due to its climate and thus heavily relies upon imports. The top varieties for tree nut exports to Egypt include walnuts, almonds, and pistachios. Tree nuts are a popular snack item in Egypt, and walnuts are used in many deserts, especially during the month of Ramadan. Although consumption peaked during Covid-19, Egyptian imports and consumption of walnuts have since declined. The United States is a large exporter of walnuts to Egypt, as many Egyptians value the quality that U.S. walnuts provide. Consumption is not expected to increase for marketing year 2025/26, as consumers will continue to prioritize essential foods over non-compulsory items, like walnuts. Additionally, lower cost, savory snacks, particularly puffed snacks and potato chips, represent the fastest growing category in terms of retail sales volume.
Japan: 264th Japan Food Safety Group
The Consumer Affairs Agency (CAA) of Japan proposed three sets of revisions. One is for Japan’s maximum residue levels for three agricultural chemicals (Fluazinam, Flupyrimin, and Mandestrobin) for various agricultural commodities. The second is for the CAA's proposal to eliminate provisional MRLs of 26 agricultural chemicals which MHLW could not confirm their use in Japan. The last is for establishment and revision for food additives. Interested U.S. parties should submit their comments to PlantDivision@usda.gov for plant products, TFAA.FAS.
New Zealand: New Zealand Government Introduces Gene Technology Bill to House
The New Zealand government has introduced the Gene Technology Bill 2024, aiming to establish a modern regulatory framework for gene technology and genetically modified organisms (GMOs). This legislation seeks to replace the existing regime under the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996 (HSNO Act) with a more flexible and enabling system. Key objectives include risk-proportionate regulation, efficient decision-making processes, and international alignment to enhance trade and technological advancements. On December 17, 2024, the Bill underwent its first reading in Parliament and legislators approved it for further scrutiny by the Health Select Committee.
Philippines: Market Brief on Private Label Products
The Philippines' private label grocery market is projected to reach $896 million in 2025, representing seven percent of total food and beverage grocery sales. Key categories include fresh produce, frozen meats, oils, condiments, and spices, with growth in gourmet, free-from, and ready-to-eat products. With some grocery operators aiming to double their private label portfolios within the next five years, significant opportunities exist for exporters to supply U.S. food and beverage products under both U.S. and grocers' private label brands.
Portugal: Agricultural Biotechnology Annual
This report describes the agricultural biotechnology sector in Portugal, covering production and trade, policy, and marketing aspects. It includes topics related to plant, animal, and microbial biotechnology. Portugal is the European Union’s (EU’s) second largest grower of genetically engineered (GE) corn, and a major consumer of genetically engineered (GE) soybean meal in animal feed.
For more information, or for an archive of all FAS GAIN reports, please visit gain.fas.usda.gov/.
The following GAIN reports were released on January 14, 2025.
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Belgium: FAIRS Country Report Annual
This report should be read in conjunction with the EU-27 Food and Agricultural Import Regulations and Standards (FAIRS) report written by the U.S. Mission to the EU. This report focuses on the import regulations and standards that are not harmonized at the EU-level or where Belgium varies.
Cambodia: FAIRS Country Report Annual
This report covers an overview of the food and agricultural import regulations and standards in Cambodia. This report includes updates on Section I Food Laws, Section III Packaging and Container Regulations, Section VI: Other Requirements, Regulations and Registration Measures, Section VIII Geographical Indicators, Trademarks, Brand Names, and Intellectual Property Rights, and Section X Trade Facilitation. While this report strives to be as comprehensive as possible, regulations and requirements can frequently change. U.S. exporters are therefore encouraged to work closely with their Cambodian importers to ensure they are aware of and complying with all current Cambodia regulations and requirements.
For more information, or for an archive of all FAS GAIN reports, please visit gain.fas.usda.gov/.
