The Oklahoma Farm Bureau Board of Directors sent a letter to U.S. Senator Tom Coburn, R-Okla., July 20, requesting his support of the Market Access Program. The MAP is directed by the USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service to provide funds for international marketing and promotional activities.
“This is a good program that provides assistance on a cost-share basis, targeting small businesses, farmer cooperatives, and non-profit trade organizations,” the OFB board said.
The board urged Sen. Coburn to cease his efforts to cut funds for the program.
MAP provides an economic return to taxpayers by bringing in $35 for every $1 invested, according to a study by IHS Global Insight.
“This return on investment puts dollars in farmers’ pockets, their local economies, Oklahoma’s economy and the gross domestic product,” the OFB board said.
The OFB leaders said MAP is a public-private partnership that has greatly benefited Oklahoma agriculture.
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