ASTA Applies for Agricultural Trade Promotion Funding from USDA

In light of the tariffs imposed by the U.S. and China, USDA is dedicating $200 million to develop alternate foreign markets for U.S. agricultural products. Cooperators were able to apply for grants to identify and access new markets and mitigate the adverse effects of tariff and non-tariff barriers in China.

Last week, ASTA submitted two proposals. The first would assist American vegetable and flower seed companies to develop and expand locations for seed production and multiplication outside of China, focusing on Vietnam, Argentina, and Ecuador. The second, in collaboration with the Biotechnology Innovation Organization and other USDA cooperators, looks to new markets by improving plant breeding innovation policy in Mexico, Vietnam, the Philippines, and key countries in Europe. Awards will be publicly announced in early 2019.