SSGA lands USDA ATP grant

Grant to help grow specialty crop industry

Is there a better way to celebrate the announcement of a new agricultural alliance than to announce that alliance has landed a grant to help grow its industry at home and abroad?

Probably not; that’s why the Specialty Soya and Grains Alliance (SSGA) is excited to announce the new alliance has been awarded a $1.5 million Agricultural Trade Promotion (ATP) grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to begin operations.

“This grant will allow SSGA to communicate with buyers across the globe in a way that has never been done before,” said Tom Slunecka, acting executive director for SSGA. “We couldn’t be happier to be awarded this ATP grant, and we’re ready to roll up our sleeves and get to work.”

The ATP grant is a one-time opportunity created as part of the larger Trade Mitigation Program, which President Donald Trump and USDA crafted to help farmers hurt by the trade war with China. The grant awarded to SSGA is for the creation of a digital marketplace, as well as brand identity for U.S. identity-preserved soybeans, among other things.

“We’re excited to work closely with our Soy Family to serve and grow the specialty crops industry,” Slunecka said.