APHIS In Action: Promoting Safe International Trade and Expanding the Market for American Farmers

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Today’s globalized economy has presented many opportunities for partnerships to thrive. However, it also presents a new set of challenges to domestic agricultural operations. APHIS plays a major role in creating pathways for international trade along with maintaining the safety of American agriculture. In fact, International Services is the overseas division of APHIS and has offices in over 25 countries around the world! Whether it is on the domestic or international side, APHIS is here to help farmers around the world. 

In 2022, APHIS worked closely with congressional leaders, American potato farmers, and the Mexican government to allow for the export of American fresh potatoes. The U.S. potato industry estimates that this access to the Mexican market provides an upward profit of $250 million each year. APHIS is always adeptly creating partnerships that financially benefit American industry every day. Potatoes are just one example of the types of industry APHIS works to protect.

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APHIS also protects domestic operations from being damaged by imports from other countries. International Services has been working tirelessly to eradicate pests that could ravage American farms. Currently, International Services is working to address the unprecedented detections and outbreaks of fruit flies and other pesky pests that are currently present in Mexico, Guatemala, Panama, and the Dominican Republic. APHIS has invested $109.8 million to protect domestic endeavors and halt the transmission of these flies across US borders. Because of efforts such as these, APHIS has strengthened partnerships with international governments to ensure the protection of American agriculture.

APHIS is an international changemaker that leads collaborations with international governments to dismantle trade barriers. We work to create standards that our trading partners must adhere to. Standards are the minimum requirements that our international partners must meet to sell their products here in the United States. APHIS officers are considered subject matter experts during these negotiations and propose a Scientific Commission Report to the World Organisation for Animal Health. These reports include the cutting-edge biosecurity measures that APHIS has thoroughly researched, and identified as the most appropriate strategies and measures for disease prevention and control. APHIS is always in Action all over the world!

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APHIS protects the health of U.S. agriculture and natural resources against invasive pests and diseases, regulates genetically engineered crops, administers the Animal Welfare Act, and helps people and wildlife coexist. We also certify the health of U.S. agricultural exports and resolve phytosanitary and sanitary issues to open, expand, and maintain markets for U.S plant and animal products.

USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. In the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.