KAWG applauds Mann for introducing SMART Act to expand global market access

The Kansas Association of Wheat Growers (KAWG) applauds Representative Tracey Mann (R-KS-01), who joined his colleagues in introducing the Supporting Market Access to Reinvigorate Trade Act of 2022 (SMART Act), which would double funding for USDA’s Market Access Program (MAP) and Foreign Market Development (FMD) Program. Both programs are critical to expanding global market access for U.S. produced agricultural exports.

“The Kansas Association of Wheat Growers would like to thank Congressman Tracey Mann for introducing this bill that would increase MAP and FMD funding,” said Justin Knopf, KAWG President. “Each year wheat growers contribute a portion of their wheat sales towards this cause, which qualifies U.S. Wheat Associates to apply for MAP and FMD program funds. This legislation would double funds of these programs, which would enable greater use of U.S. wheat to help support humanitarian needs and serve as a beacon of freedom and peace around the world, which is more important now than ever.”

A recent econometric study conducted by agricultural economists at IHS Market and Texas A&M University predicted that doubling funding for these programs would generate an additional $44.4 billion in U.S. agricultural exports over the 2024-2029 time period. This would directly benefit farmers, livestock producers, dairy operators and small businesses as they work to maintain and expand their global presence.

“Reinvestment in export promotion programs is needed now. USDA is forecasting a U.S. agricultural trade deficit in 2023 for the first time in years because the growth in American farm exports is not keeping pace with imports, signaling a more competitive global landscape then we’ve experienced before,” said Robbie Minnich, Director of Washington Operations for the National Cotton Council, and Chair of the Coalition to Promote U.S. Agricultural Exports. “With so much uncertainty about the future of U.S. global trade policy amidst geopolitical conflict, this additional investment is an essential piece of trade promotion policy that our farmers can utilize to reinforce our competitive standing in overseas markets.”

The legislation must now be considered within the Agriculture Committee, and KAWG urges the Committee to swiftly consider and pass this important bill.

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