USDA Market Access Program (MAP) – FY 2027 Funding Overview

Program Overview

The USDA Market Access Program (MAP) provides cost-share funding to help U.S. agricultural organizations develop, maintain, and expand export markets for American agricultural products around the world.

Administered by the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS), the program is designed to strengthen U.S. agricultural competitiveness by supporting international marketing and promotional activities that increase exports and diversify market opportunities.

Through MAP, USDA enters into agreements with eligible organizations and shares the cost of approved marketing and promotion activities intended to expand exports of U.S. agricultural commodities and products.

Why the Market Access Program Matters

Global agricultural markets continue to evolve as consumer preferences, trade relationships, supply chains, and regulatory requirements change across regions.

Programs such as MAP help U.S. agricultural organizations compete internationally by supporting activities that build awareness, generate demand, and strengthen relationships with buyers in export markets.

The program supports efforts to:

• Expand international market opportunities
• Diversify export destinations
• Increase demand for U.S. agricultural products
• Improve long-term export competitiveness
• Support agricultural industry growth
• Strengthen global trade relationships

Eligible Activities

MAP funding may be used to support approved international marketing and promotional activities that help expand exports of U.S. agricultural commodities.

Activities often include:

• Trade shows and exhibitions
• Market promotion campaigns
• Consumer education efforts
• Trade servicing activities
• Market research
• Export market development initiatives
• International buyer engagement programs

All U.S. agricultural commodities, except tobacco, are eligible for consideration under the program.

Cost Share Requirements

MAP operates as a cost-share program and applicants are expected to contribute a portion of project costs.

• Generic Activities: Minimum 10% cost share requirement
• Branded Activities: Cost share must equal at least the total amount of approved branded activities

Cost share contributions may be provided through direct cash investments or eligible in-kind contributions.

Eligible Applicants

Eligible applicants include:

• Nonprofit U.S. agricultural trade organizations
• State Regional Trade Groups (SRTGs)
• U.S. agricultural cooperatives
• State agencies

State Regional Trade Groups partner with USDA/FAS to help U.S. companies expand export opportunities and enter new international markets.

Funding Details

• Funding Available: Approximately $450.5 million
• Funding Agency: USDA Foreign Agricultural Service
• Application Deadline: August 14, 2026
• Program Type: Competitive Cost-Share Program

How LEC Partners Supports Export Market Development

Organizations pursuing international market opportunities often face challenges related to market selection, value chain dynamics, commercialization strategy, supply chain readiness, and long-term growth planning.

LEC Partners supports agricultural, bioeconomy, renewable fuels, industrial biotechnology, and biobased product organizations through implementation-focused technical and commercial advisory services.

• Market and trade analysis
• Commercial due diligence
• Supply chain assessments
• Export market evaluation
• Commercialization strategy development
• Project and business planning

Our multidisciplinary network of more than 150 experts provides practical guidance that helps organizations evaluate opportunities, reduce risk, and support long-term market growth.

Questions We Often Get About USDA MAP Funding