USDA Foreign Agricultural Service,ΑΓΡΟΤΙΚΗ ΕΝΗΜΕΡΩΣΗ

 

USDA Announces Modernization of the Foreign Agricultural Service to Strengthen Market Access and Support for U.S. Agriculture  (Washington, D.C., June 17, 2026) – Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced a reorganization of the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) to streamline operations, consolidate support functions, and bring employees and programs closer to America’s agricultural heartland. The effort is part of a broader Department‑wide initiative that directs agencies to align workforce and facilities with available resources and to use these savings to focus on the core USDA mission to advance American agriculture and revive rural communities. As part of this effort, FAS will establish an operational support hub in Kansas City, Missouri, and will begin a phased relocation of much of its Washington, D.C.-based workforce to this new duty station and to USDA’s George Washington Carver Center in Beltsville, Maryland, while a smaller Washington-based contingent will remain in Washington, D.C. This modernization effort does not include any reduction in force and focuses entirely on domestic headquarters functions; no overseas staff or diplomatic posts are affected. “Our promise to the American people requires us to make tough but necessary decisions – including ending wasteful spending on underused facilities and modernizing organizational structures that don’t fit today’s needs,” said Deputy Secretary Stephen A. Vaden. “By acting now, we’re positioning the Foreign Agricultural Service – and the entire Department – to continue serving the American people for generations to come.” “Shifting key support functions to the heartland brings our programs directly to the communities that drive American agriculture,” said Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs, Luke J. Lindberg. “Modernizing how we do business at home ensures we’re giving our employees the structure, tools, and support they need to meet today’s challenges and continue winning for U.S. agriculture.” “Our strength has always come from our people, whether they’re in Washington or around the world,” said Administrator Daniel Whitley. “As we work through this effort, we’re committed to giving our employees the support, clarity, and resources they need to navigate this transition.” Streamlining Assistance and Trade Support Functions Because Kansas City is part of America’s agricultural heartland, shifting specific FAS program operations and support functions to the region brings both the programs and the employees closer to the farmers, ranchers, producers, and the rural communities they serve. FAS will also transition selected mission support positions to USDA’s George Washington Carver Center (GWCC) in Beltsville, Maryland, where employees will have improved access to consolidated mission support and administrative services. A smaller Washington-based contingent – including agency leadership, trade policy, market access negotiations, cooperator programs, and congressional and interagency engagement – will remain in Washington, D.C. to ensure a strong presence for national coordination and trade policy work. Any organizational updates or relocations will be phased in over time and in close consultation with affected staff, who will receive any available support throughout the transition. For more information on USDA reorganization efforts, visit: https://www.usda.gov/about-usda/reorganization. The following GAIN reports were released on June 16, 2026. _______ Brazil: Infrastructure Challenges in Brazil's Agricultural Sector Brazil's agricultural expansion toward the North and Center-West has created new production frontiers requiring highways, railways, warehouses, ports, and logistics services beyond traditional routes. Inflation, fuel prices, and rising input costs pushed transportation expenses higher, steadily undermining the competitiveness of Brazilian producers. Combined with inadequate infrastructure, these pressures represent some of the most significant barriers to growth in Brazil's agricultural sector. Specialists warn that without sufficient investment, Brazil's logistics network could become a binding constraint on agricultural growth by 2034. China: China Announces Measures to Prevent the Introduction of Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum On May 26, 2026, China announced measures to prevent the introduction of Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum, which impacts solanaceous and apiaceous crops like potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, and carrots. Effective August 1, 2026, China will suspend import approvals for seed potatoes from affected regions, and place strict testing and origin restrictions on tomato, pepper, carrot, coriander, celery, and parsley seeds from affected countries and regions. China: China Publishes Draft Food Safety Standard on Nut and Seed Foods On May 11, 2026 China notified to the WTO under G/SPS/N/CHN/1363 a revised draft National Food Safety Standard on Nut and Seed Foods. The proposed date of entry into force has not been determined. Member states may submit their comments to China’s SPS National Notification and Enquiry Center at sps@customs.gov.cn until July 10, 2026. This report provides an unofficial translation of the draft standard. Ghana: FAIRS Country Report Annual This FAIRS-Ghana | GH2026-0018 | Country Report Annual - 2026, offers a comprehensive overview of the procedural frameworks established by the Ghanaian government for the importation of food and agricultural products destined for human and animal consumption. It serves as a practical guide for U.S.-origin food manufacturers and agricultural commodity exporters by outlining the regulatory standards and legal requirements necessary to facilitate compliant trade. Updated by FAS Accra (Post), this version incorporates the latest administrative adjustments, including the 2026 Ghanaian tax reforms under Section IX (Import Procedures). Ghana: FAIRS Export Certificate Report Annual This FAIRS-Ghana | GH2026-0019 | Export Certificate Report Annual – 2026, outlines the statutory certificates and permits mandated by the Government of Ghana for the importation of U.S.-origin food and agricultural products. This report serves as a specialized supplement to the FAIRS-Ghana | GH2026-0018 | Country Report Annual – 2026. To ensure strict compliance with bilateral trade protocols and Ghanaian regulatory frameworks, FAS Accra (Post) counsels prospective U.S. food manufacturers and commodity exporters of U.S.-origin food and agricultural products to cross-reference both instruments. Thorough review will assist to mitigate compliance risks regarding Ghana’s evolving import standards, phytosanitary requirements, and certification procedures. There have been no certificate changes since last year's FAIRS-GHANA | GH2025-0020 | FAIRS Export Certificate Report Annual - 2025. The following GAIN reports were released on June 15, 2026. _______ China: Tianjin Market Snapshot Tianjin is a key port city and logistics hub in northern China, with strong cold-chain infrastructure supporting large-scale imports of meat, seafood, dairy, and packaged foods. In 2025, its per capita disposable income ranked among the highest in China, and food service and retail sectors continued to grow steadily. Consumers are highly price-sensitive but show rising demand for high-quality proteins and convenient packaged foods. Imported products mainly enter through membership stores and premium channels, with Southeast Asian and regional brands comprising a large share of imports due to price advantages. U.S. agricultural products have opportunities in processed meat ingredients, frozen seafood, and small-packaged foods, but need strong price competitiveness and localization.   South Africa: FAIRS Country Report Annual The FAIRS Annual Country Report provides a comprehensive overview of the rules and regulations governing the import of food and agricultural products into South Africa. For a complete understanding of South Africa's food laws, standards, and import requirements, this report should be read in conjunction with the FAIRS Export Certificate Report. Recent key regulatory updates include a comprehensive framework governing labeling and composition requirements for meat analogues and plant-based protein products, updated mycotoxin limits, and new regulations on vinegar composition and labeling standards. U.S. exporters should review these developments carefully to ensure compliance and maintain market access in South Africa. Stakeholder Notice: USDA Opens $3.67M Funding Round for 2026 Borlaug & Cochran Fellowships   Washington, D.C., June 16, 2026 – USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) invites U.S. higher education and research institutions to submit proposals for the 2026 Borlaug and Cochran Fellowship Programs.  This $3,675,000 investment funds U.S.-based scientific collaboration and training designed to dismantle foreign barriers to trade, advance regulatory frameworks based in science, and secure new pathways for American agricultural export.  FAS’s FY26 investment will fund collaborative research and training based in the U.S. These programs directly support American agriculture by reducing foreign trade barriers, advancing science-based regulations, and opening new export markets for U.S. commodities.  2026 Funding Portfolios:  Borlaug Fellowship Program ($2.625M Total): Funds 6 programs up to $750,000 each. Focuses on long-term scientific research, biotechnology, and regulatory alignment.  Cochran Fellowship Program ($1.050M Total): Funds 7 programs up to $150,000 each. Focuses on short-term hands-on training for international buyers and regulatory officials.  High-Priority Trade Objectives & Regional Targets:  Selected U.S. institutions will host international fellows to directly advance four critical U.S. trade priorities:  Expand markets for softwood lumber in Vietnam’s growing manufacturing and construction sectors by demonstrating the quality, grading and structural applications of American wood.   Increase market access for U.S. poultry and consumer products in Uzbekistan and Egypt by showcasing America’s food safety standards, building trust with buyers and government officials.  Advance biotechnology across North Africa and Southeast Asia by encouraging science-based regulations that increase opportunities for U.S. exports of genetically engineered corn, soy, and distillers dried grains.  Lower non-tariff trade barriers tied to gene editing in Egypt by establishing a peer-to-peer scientific partnership with government researchers, helping align Egypt’s technical standards with U.S. feed and food frameworks.  U.S. colleges and universities, land-grant institutions, and state cooperative institutions are eligible to apply. If selected, partners will be required to design curriculum, provide technical mentorship, manage travel logistics, and report on measurable trade impacts.  How to Apply:  The full program criteria, specific country allocations, and submission portals are live on Grants.gov at:   Norman E. Borlaug International Agricultural Science and Technology Fellowship Program FY2026 Cochran Fellowship Programs FY2026 The deadline to apply for both programs is 11:59 PM EST on August 14, 2026.  This email was sent to politikimx@gmail.com using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: USDA Foreign Agricultural Service · 1400 Independence Avenue, SW · Washington, DC 20250