By Jamie Martin
Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Alexis M. Taylor announces funding availability for the first five projects under USDA's Assisting Specialty Crop Exports (ASCE) initiative. This initiative aims to create new markets and address trade barriers for U.S. specialty crops.
USDA allocates over $20 million to support U.S. specialty crop exporters in overcoming trade obstacles and expanding market access. The ASCE initiative focuses on non-tariff trade barriers that impede exports of fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, and horticultural products.
Projects under the ASCE initiative include the Sustainable Packaging Innovation Lab, Maximum Residue Limit (MRL) Regional Harmonization, Import MRL Guideline Implementation, Data Generation for Codex and Harmonized MRL Setting, and MRL Quick Reference Sheets for Specialty Crops.
These projects aim to advance U.S. specialty crop exports by addressing regulatory requirements, harmonizing MRLs in key export markets, and facilitating trade through data generation and quick reference materials.
Under Secretary Taylor highlights the significance of these projects in enhancing specialty crop exports, driving economic development, and ensuring global competitiveness for U.S. producers. She underscores the vital role of specialty crop exports in supporting local economies.
During a visit to the packaging materials lab at the University of Wisconsin-Stout, Under Secretary Taylor praises efforts to develop sustainable packaging materials. These materials aim to meet overseas regulatory requirements and extend the shelf-life of specialty crop products, ensuring their competitiveness in global markets.
The ASCE initiative reflects USDA's commitment to supporting U.S. specialty crop exporters, fostering market growth, and expanding opportunities in international trade.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: National