A new study will arm supporters looking to increase funding for the Foreign Market Development (FMD) and Market Access Programs (MAP) through the next farm bill. According to a study from Cornell professor Harry Kaiser, each taxpayer dollar spent on MAP and FMD yielded about $19.76 in federal and state tax revenues, giving the programs roughly a 20:1 return on investment ratio. Kaiser also estimated that slashing funding to the Foreign Agricultural Service could result in a $1.7 billion loss in farm receipts and an increase in $76.6 million more in annual government farm payments. The new information comes as supporters seek to increase funding for MAP and FMD in the upcoming farm bill. The programs are currently funded at about $234.5 million ($200 million for MAP, $34.5 million for FMD), and bills have been introduced in House and Senate to double that amount.
Grains Council touts market development study showing 20:1 return
