From the Desk of the CEO: January 2025

Dear Food Export Community, 

This month, I’d like to focus on an issue that touches all of us, whether we’re farmers, exporters, or simply food eaters (proud food eater here). The Farm Bill. It’s one of the most important pieces of legislation shaping not only agriculture but also our economy, environment, and food security. As a new Congress begins to consider what the next Farm Bill will look like, it’s worth taking a moment to reflect on why agricultural exports—and the programs that support them—are critical to our shared success. 

Why the Farm Bill Matters 

Agricultural exports are a powerhouse for the U.S. economy, generating over $190 billion annually and supporting nearly 1.2 million jobs. The food and agricultural sector accounts for 10% of total U.S. employment and is a global leader in innovation, sustainability, and quality. For small- and medium-sized businesses in particular, access to international markets is often the key to growth. 

This is where programs like the Market Access Program (MAP), funded through the Farm Bill, come in. MAP helps level the playing field for U.S. companies, allowing them to compete with heavily subsidized foreign competitors and connect with global buyers. Without MAP and similar programs, the U.S. risks losing ground in an increasingly competitive global marketplace, and the ripple effects would be felt across farms, businesses, and communities. 

The Farm Bill: Bridging Divides

The Farm Bill is a massive, omnibus bill—a collection of policies covering everything from farm support programs and conservation to food assistance like SNAP. What can often make Farm Bills unique is how they necessitate bridging traditional political and geographic divides in Congress. To pass, it must balance urban and rural priorities, bringing together support for nutrition programs that ensure food security for families with tools that help farmers manage risk, adopt new practices, and grow their operations. 

The Farm Bill is a reminder of our nation’s strength and pride in its ability to put food on the table, both at home and abroad. It’s a testament to what can be achieved when we prioritize the interconnectedness of agriculture, economics, the environment, trade, and food security. 

The Current Lay of the Land 

Recently, Congress extended the 2018 Farm Bill for another year, ensuring that programs like MAP can continue through 2025. While extensions like this are not uncommon, they’re a stopgap, not a solution. In lapsed Farm Bill situations, outdated policies from the 1940s eventually come into effect, creating significant disruptions to agriculture and trade. That’s why it’s critical for Congress to pass a new, comprehensive bill that addresses the modern realities of farming, trade, and food systems. 

Where You Fit In 

As members of the Food Export network, we all have a role to play in advocating for a strong Farm Bill. Whether it’s by sharing the importance of agricultural exports with policymakers, participating in Food Export programs, or amplifying the stories of the businesses we serve, your efforts matter. 

This is a chance for Congress to demonstrate its commitment to the farm and food industry—and by extension, to all of us (proud food eaters). Together, we can ensure the Farm Bill reflects the pride, innovation, and resilience of our industry and continues to support the incredible network of people and businesses that make U.S. food and agriculture the best in the world. 

Thank you for your partnership and for the role you play in ensuring the strength of U.S. food and agriculture at home and abroad. 

Warm regards,

Brendan Wilson 

CEO/Executive Director 

Your Input Matters: If there is a topic you wish for me to discuss in this space, let me know. You can reach me at info@foodexport.org. Just put Attn: Brendan Wilson in the subject line.