Congressman Brad Finstad (MN-01), chairman of the Nutrition, Foreign Agriculture, and Horticulture Subcommittee, announced his introduction of the bipartisan Agriculture Export Promotion Act of 2023, with Rep. Dan Newhouse. This legislation would double funding to the Market Access Program (MAP) and Foreign Market Development Program (FMD), equipping American farmers and ranchers with the tools to remain competitive in the global marketplace.

“As a farmer, I know firsthand the value of the Market Access Program and Foreign Market Development Program, both of which are essential tools for Minnesota’s agricultural economy,” said Rep. Finstad, who farms in Brown County. “Strong trade promotion policies are critical for farm country, and the U.S. economy as a whole. Targeted investments in these programs will strengthen our farm, food, and national security by establishing new markets and opening opportunities for our producers to compete on a global stage.”

The Minnesota Soybean Growers Association endorses the legislation.

“Minnesota Soybean Growers Association applauds Representative Finstad’s attention to these critical programs,” said Minnesota Soybean Growers Association President Bob Worth. “MAP and FMD have huge returns on investment and have been chronically underfunded. Ag exports are a vital piece of Minnesota’s rural economy.”