The Almond Board of California (ABC) has been awarded $7 million by the U.S. Department of Agriculture through the Regional Agricultural Promotion Program (RAPP) to enhance the global competitiveness of U.S. agriculture, with a focus on expanding almond export markets.
This funding is a portion of a broader $1.2 billion initiative. According to ABC's Vice President of Global, Technical, and Regulatory Affairs, Julie Adams, the RAPP funding will bolster efforts across various export markets, particularly targeting new regions such as Africa, Latin America, South and Southeast Asia. Adams highlighted the importance of these areas for growth, including efforts to increase market access in India, Morocco, Turkey, Indonesia, and Brazil. The funding aims to explore and potentially expand California almond presence in these countries, with a special note on Turkey due to the rising popularity of nuts and dried fruits there.
The $7 million grant, spread over five years, represents an opportunity for the ABC to strategically enhance both ongoing and new initiatives aimed at market expansion. Adams emphasized the strategic allocation of RAPP funding to maximize impact in both new and established markets, leveraging research and market evaluation to ensure optimal investment and return for the industry. This approach reflects ABC's commitment to utilizing the funding in ways that significantly benefit the California almond industry's global standing.
Source: agnetwest.com