2026 Market Access Program
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) has announced $200 million in funding for its Market Access Program (MAP). This program seeks to help nonprofit U.S. agricultural trade organizations; nonprofit state regional trade groups (SRTGs); U.S. agricultural cooperatives; and state agencies to foster expanded exports and market diversification by encouraging the development, maintenance, and expansion of diverse commercial export markets for United States agricultural commodities and products.
There is no funding limit; USDA expects to make approximately 60-70 awards, and applicants must match at least 10 percent of the federal cost share for generic activities, and at least 50 percent of the federal cost share for branded activities. Applications are due June 6, 2025.
What is the program’s purpose?
Through MAP, USDA partners with U.S. agricultural trade associations, cooperatives, state regional trade groups (SRTGs), and small businesses to share the costs of overseas marketing and promotional activities that help build commercial export markets for U.S. agricultural products and commodities. MAP reaches virtually every corner of the globe, helping build markets for a wide variety U.S. farm and food products. FAS provides cost-share assistance to eligible U.S. organizations for activities such as consumer advertising, public relations, point-of-sale demonstrations, participation in trade fairs and exhibits, market research, and technical assistance.
Who is eligible to apply?
Applicants must be either a nonprofit U.S. agricultural trade organization, an SRTG, a U.S. agricultural cooperative, or a State agency.
What types of activities will the FMD cover?
As described in the 7 CFR Part 1485.17, reimbursable activities may include but are not limited to:
- Production and placement of advertising, including in print, electronic media, billboards, or posters;
- Production and distribution of banners, recipe cards, table tents, shelf talkers, and similar point of sale materials;
- Participation in trade shows and trade missions;
- Seminars and educational trainings;
- Travel to and from foreign markets
- Compensation and allowances for U.S. staff or contractors stationed overseas.
What are the funding amounts and match requirements?
USDA expects to award no less than $200 million through 60-70 awards. Applicants must match at least 10 percent of the federal cost share for generic activities, and at least 50 percent of the federal cost share for branded activities.
What are the key dates and deadlines?
The deadline to apply for the 2026 MAP is 5 p.m. Eastern Time, Friday, June 6, 2025.
The full Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) can be found here.
For more information on this grant or how to apply with Morrison’s assistance, please contact the Morrison Grants Team by email at grants@morrisonco.net or call us at 530-893-4764.