ALEXANDRIA, VA, February 7, 2025 – The North American Renderers Association (NARA) applauds U.S. Representatives Dan Newhouse (R-WA-04), Tracey Mann (R-KS-01), Jim Costa (D-CA-21), Jimmy Panetta (D-CA-19), Ashley Hinson (R-IA-02), Brad Finstad (R-MN-01), Chellie Pingree (D-ME-01), and Kim Schrier (D-WA-08) for reintroducing the Agriculture Export Promotion Act of 2025. This vital legislation will expand U.S. agricultural exports by doubling funding for the Market Access Program (MAP) and the Foreign Market Development (FMD) Cooperator Program, two critical trade promotion initiatives administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
As a long-standing advocate for U.S. agricultural trade, NARA is a proud member of both the U.S. Agricultural Export Development Council (USAEDC) and the Coalition to Promote U.S. Agricultural Exports.
“Rendered products are an essential part of global supply chains, contributing to sustainable animal nutrition, renewable fuels, and countless other applications and products we use every day,” said NARA President and CEO, Kent Swisher. “Expanding export promotion programs will provide our members with greater opportunities to compete internationally, reach new customers, and expand their market share—ultimately driving growth for the entire rendering industry.”
The Agriculture Export Promotion Act of 2025 will double funding for the Market Access Program (MAP) from $200 million to $400 million annually and for the Foreign Market Development (FMD) Cooperator Program from $34.5 million to $69 million annually. These investments will increase agricultural exports, support rural economies, and create new opportunities for U.S. agricultural businesses, including renderers who rely on strong global trade to market their products effectively. A recent study by Texas A&M University projected that doubling funding for these programs could generate an additional $44.4 billion in U.S. agricultural exports between 2024 and 2029.
NARA has long supported the MAP and FMD programs as critical tools for maintaining U.S. leadership in international agricultural trade. Our industry transforms byproducts from meat production into high-value, sustainable ingredients that are in demand worldwide, including edible fats, feed ingredients, pet food, biofuels, and oleochemicals. The expanded funding provided by this bill will help renderers strengthen trade partnerships, develop new markets, and continue to contribute to the U.S. economy.
As the bill moves through Congress, NARA urges swift passage and remains committed to working alongside lawmakers and industry partners to support U.S. agricultural exports.
For more information on NARA’s advocacy efforts and the importance of trade promotion to the rendering industry, visit www.nara.org.
