When the farm bill expired at the end of September – funding for the Foreign Market Development and Market Access programs came to an end. The two programs leverage farmer and agribusiness investments to build an active outreach program in more than 50 countries. National Corn Growers Association President Pam Johnson says agricultural trade is a success story and one of the few bright spots in the nation’s economy. She notes continued growth in agricultural exports contributes to economic growth and consistently provides a positive balance to global trade. But Johnson says the expiration of funds for MAP and FMD are an example of the need for a new, comprehensive five-year farm bill. She says Congress needs to pass legislation as soon as possible. While USDA and the Foreign Agricultural Service have enabled the temporary continuation of FMD – NCGA notes available funds will run out in the coming months. Without a new farm bill – the group says U.S. farmers and agribusinesses risk significant damage to important export promotion programs.