WALLY HERGER: “the market access program, or MAP, provides a valuable service, not only to American farmers, but to the entire American…”

“the market access program, or MAP, provides a valuable service, not only to American farmers, but to the entire American economy. Currently, MAP yields returns of $2 to $7 to the American economy for every dollar of MAP funds spent overseas. The program is aimed at increasing American exports and jobs by helping maintain, develop, and expand U.S. agriculture export markets. In doing this, MAP requires all funds to be used to promote only American grown and produced commodities and related products. MAP does not fund large multinational corporations, such as McDonalds. Instead, this program, by law, excludes foreign, for-profit companies and focuses on American small businesses. The only for-profit companies allowed to receive MAP funds are small businesses, nonprofit industry organizations, and private firms not represented by an industry group. Even then, MAP is not a straight handout, but is a valuable cost-share program, where participants are required to contribute toward total program costs from 10 percent for generic products to up to 50 percent or more for brand name products. MAP was established under the 1990 Farm Act to target primarily value-added products. With traditional commodity support programs being phased out through 2002, MAP will be used as an important tool to increase export markets and help stabilize commodity prices. MAP is a proven success.”