(PRESS RELEASE) WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Pet Food Institute (PFI), whose members produce the vast majority of dog and cat food and treats in the United States, announced that it has been awarded $1.35 million in Market Access Program (MAP) funding by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) for 2026. PFI and the pet food industry commit to providing matching contributions of at least 35% of the funding made available.
Since 1993, PFI has engaged with the Market Access Program to promote U.S. pet food in key foreign markets. As a MAP cooperator, PFI will utilize USDA grant funding in 2026 to continue marketing and promotional activities across 11 markets spanning 19 countries. These markets include Brazil, the Caribbean (The Bahamas, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos, and Cayman Islands), Central America (Costa Rica, Panama, El Salvador, and Guatemala), China, Colombia, India, Mexico, the Middle East (The UAE and Israel), the Philippines, South Korea, and Taiwan. In addition to its work in these specific markets and countries, PFI operates a global program that supports U.S. pet food manufacturers in expanding their export knowledge and identifying international market opportunities.
PFI’s in-country representatives supported by MAP play an important role in gathering firsthand insight into the perspective of pet owners in international markets, which helps PFI equip U.S. pet food manufacturers with practical knowledge to grow their presence abroad.
“PFI’s Market Access Program works to bolster U.S. pet food and treat exports by supporting marketing and promotional efforts, strengthening local veterinary education in pet nutrition, and collaborating with rescue organizations to advance animal welfare initiatives,” said Nat Davies, PFI’s Vice President of Business Operations and Programs. “USDA’s support allows us to continue this important work we’ve proudly carried out for more than three decades, aiming to help pets live longer, healthier lives around the world.”
These programs deliver significant value to U.S. companies. USDA data shows that every $1 invested in expanding export markets through MAP and similar programs generates more than $24 in U.S. agricultural exports.
To learn more about PFI’s MAP activities and impact, visit here.