USDA announced an expanded partnership with the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) to increase domestic agricultural production and exports, while reducing the agricultural trade deficit. Alongside this partnership, USDA is formally launching the Financial Assurance to Revitalize Markets, or FARM, Initiative, a comprehensive effort to strengthen and modernize its export credit guarantee program in support of U.S. agricultural competitiveness.

The FARM Initiative serves as the umbrella for a series of program improvements and activities designed to enhance access to emerging markets, increase certainty for exporters and lenders, and ensure that U.S. agriculture remains a reliable and resilient partner in global trade. The new USDA-EXIM partnership brings together USDA’s export financing programs and EXIM’s role as the official export credit agency of the United States. By coordinating these tools, both agencies aim to create new opportunities for U.S. farmers and agricultural producers, expand available financing and credit programs, and support increased sales of U.S. agricultural products overseas. 

On February 3, 2026, as an early action under FARM, USDA introduced expanded financing options under the Export Credit Guarantee Program (GSM-102), including a new 18-month repayment option that allows eligible buyers to make a single payment at the end of the term instead of installments. Today, USDA is advancing additional enhancements under FARM by expanding global banking participation to widen access to trade finance and for higher-risk markets, offering 100% coverage for payment guarantees so that U.S. exporters can confidently pursue new opportunities.

EXIM will complement the $5.5 billion authorized under GSM-102 with its export credit insurance programs, significantly increasing both the scale and mix of export financing tools available to promote U.S. agricultural exports. The FARM Initiative will also include extensive outreach to stakeholders and participants to improve usability, promote market awareness, and ensure these tools effectively support U.S. agriculture.

To learn more about USDA’s export market and financing programs, visit fas.usda.gov/programs.

Source: USDA Press Releases, No. 0060.26 (April 29, 2026)

USLGE is thrilled to announce $1.85 million in funding for new export market development granted through the  America First Trade Promotion Program (AFTPP) of USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service (USDA-FAS). This AFTPP grant is another critical tool in support of the U.S. livestock genetics industry to help level the global trade playing field and  address ongoing challenges and new opportunities.

President and CEO Martin Sieber noted, “We are grateful to USDA-FAS for continuing to provide us with unprecedented support in unique times where we face continued  challenges every day, coupled with ongoing resources to help us open new markets for genetics and live animals.” Sieber added, “USLGE’s relationship with USDA-FAS continues to be a prime example of a highly successful public-private partnership.”

“We couldn’t be more excited for this new opportunity to expand our reach, gain new customers, open new markets, and address frustrating challenges such as the New World screwworm,” added Weston Merrill, Marketing Officer for Trade and Market Development at the Montana Department of Agriculture as well as
current chair of USLGE’s Board of Directors.

For more information, contact USLGE at uslge@uslge.org