USDA's 2026 AFTPP can support approved Canada promotion
Agricultural trade groups should assign each proposed Canada activity to an eligible signed award and obtain any required budget approval before committing grant funds. An available balance alone does not authorize a campaign.
At his November 10 nomination hearing, Gregory Ibach linked rebuilding Canadian customer relationships to a future trade agreement. Agricultural trade groups can prepare campaign budgets now, but the choice of existing USDA grant determines which activities can qualify.
The 2025 Regional Agricultural Promotion Program (RAPP) excludes activities in Canada except participation in USDA-endorsed trade shows. The 2026 America First Trade Promotion Program (AFTPP) does not exclude Canada, but spending must fit the signed award and approved activities. A show's RAPP exception does not extend to every seminar or advertising expense on the same trip. The AFTPP application round closed January 23, 2026, so November planning concerns existing awards or another funding route.
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