(NAFB.com) – The American Feed Industry Association has received $800,000 in federal funding through the USDA’s Regional Agricultural Promotion Program (RAPP). “This support will enable us to expand our efforts in developing and expanding export markets for U.S. animal food products,” says AFIA President and CEO Constance Cullman. In 2023, the overall export value for feed, feed ingredients, and pet food stood at $13.4 billion, and the total volume of exports of these products amounted to 19.8 million metric tons. “That demonstrates the significant role the animal food industry plays in overall U.S. ag exports,” she adds. The American Soybean Association, ASA’s World Initiative for Soy in Human Health Program, and the U.S. Soybean Export Council also received funding under RAPP. “New international markets are critical to sustaining U.S. soybean growers’ success,” says ASA President Josh Gackle. “This program will open new opportunities for success while improving on the success of other programs.”