The USDA is awarding $8.3 million in funding to help 11 U.S. recipients address their trade barriers and expand international market access for U.S. specialty crops. The funding is provided through the Foreign Agricultural Service, which manages the Technical Assistance for Specialty Crops Program. It helps producers combat trade barriers and promote their goods internationally. “Our market development programs are bringing the bounty of American agriculture to people around the world, helping millions of hardworking American farmers, ranchers, and producers connect their safe, high-quality products with growing export markets,” said Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Undersecretary Luke Lindberg. Through TASC, USDA partners with non-profit U.S. agricultural trade associations, farmer cooperatives, non-profit state-regional trade groups, state agencies, and small businesses to expand market access and conduct overseas marketing and promotional activities on behalf of producers and processors. The USDA market development programs return an estimated $24.50 for every dollar invested.