Delaware’s soybean farmers stand to benefit from a major federal investment announced today, as three national soybean organizations received $14 million in new funding to expand global markets for American-grown soybeans.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service awarded the funding through its newly created America First Trade Promotion Program to the American Soybean Association, U.S. Soybean Export Council, and World Initiative for Soy in Human Health.
These organizations plan to use the federal dollars to provide international buyers with technical assistance, market data, and other resources designed to increase their preference for American soybeans over competitors from other countries.
“This AFTPP funding is a welcome and especially timely opportunity coming just as new trade agreements are opening doors, and diversifying demand for U.S. Soy in international markets,” said Mike McCranie, who chairs the U.S. Soybean Export Council board and farms in South Dakota. “USSEC is eager to turn that momentum and this new investment into export sales and measurable returns for U.S. soybean farmers.”
Ohio farmer Scott Metzger, who leads the American Soybean Association, emphasized the importance of maintaining market share abroad. “For soybean farmers, demand is everything,” Metzger said. “This funding helps strengthen long-term market access and ensures U.S. Soy remains competitive in a global marketplace, keeping American farmers at the forefront of growing global demand.”
The funding will also support efforts in developing nations where protein sources remain limited, according to Morey Hill, an Iowa farmer who chairs the World Initiative for Soy in Human Health. “The AFTPP funding supports WISHH and U.S. Soy to capitalize on years of market development efforts in developing and emerging markets,” Hill said. “This funding will allow WISHH to launch new and innovative programs with partners who are eager to try U.S. Soy.”
The organizations outlined several key initiatives for the funding, including training programs for overseas food processors and feed manufacturers, support for local food processing businesses in protein-deficient regions, promotion of soy-based food products, and sustainability programs highlighting the environmental benefits of American soybean farming practices.
The America First Trade Promotion Program launched in 2025 as a tool to help American agriculture take advantage of new international market opportunities while maintaining existing trade relationships and expanding into new export destinations. The program works alongside other USDA export promotion efforts including the Market Access Program and Foreign Market Development program.
