The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) yesterday (June 26) announced that the U.S. Meat Export Federation allocation under the Market Access Program (MAP) for fiscal year 2002 will be $8,503,362. USMEF is the largest recipient of MAP funds for the fourth successive year. The FY 2002 $90 million MAP funding was shared between 67 cooperators.

"We're very pleased with this award," according to USMEF President and CEO Philip Seng, "and I think it's an indication of how USDA looks at USMEF, and the efficacy of its marketing programs."

The USDA allocates MAP funding to applicants based on four criteria: the accuracy of past export goals; historic export performance; projected export goals; and the support the organization receives from the private sector. Seng noted USMEF's funding level reflects an endorsement by USDA of its programs, strategies, planning, implementation and, most importantly, its support from the U.S. red meat industry.

USMEF has been a USDA cooperator throughout its 26-year history. During this time, U.S. meat exports have grown from a meager 247,000 metric tons to more than 1.99 million metric tons last year. Value has increased from less than $500,000 to $5 billion today.

"This huge increase has been the result of two things," Seng added, "First, we've worked to gain trade access, both on a multilateral and on a bilateral basis, and second, we've dignified those negotiations with marketing programs that have garnered a commanding market share for us in the international marketplace." Seng cited three markets - Japan, Mexico and Korea - where this one-two combination resulted in the development of major markets where U.S. producers now are the major suppliers.

"The combination of checkoff and government funding is one of the main reasons that we've had the success we've enjoyed," Seng said. "When you apply funding in a focused, well-directed fashion, you can make a sizable difference. And this would not be possible without either the MAP program or the checkoff programs.

"In addition, producers like the idea that for every checkoff dollar they invest, they are able to carry out programs worth more than $2 because of additional funding USMEF brings to the table through USDA and other industry investment, and through third-party in-country program participation," Seng notes.

This year's farm bill added $10 million to the MAP funding for FY 2002 and USMEF has applied for additional funding. ©