LHCA secures USDA funding for export promotion
The Leather and Hide Council of America (LHCA) has been awarded $1.65 million (€1.52 million) in funding from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) to support export promotion activities for US hides, skins and leather.
The funding has been allocated under a recently introduced USDA trade support initiative aimed at strengthening the global position of US agricultural products. The programme focuses on expanding access to new markets and reducing reliance on traditional export destinations.
LHCA said the investment will support efforts to diversify export markets and increase US market share in the global leather and hides sector. As a by-product of the US cattle industry, hides and skins form part of the broader agricultural value chain, with export demand contributing to overall sector returns.
President, Kerry Brozyna, said the organisation welcomed the continued partnership with USDA, noting that the funding would allow LHCA to expand its promotional activities in key international markets.
He said the initiative would help position US hides and leather as a preferred choice for manufacturers and brands, citing factors such as material quality, sustainability and heritage.
The USDA’s export promotion programmes are administered through its Foreign Agricultural Service and are designed to support industry groups in developing overseas demand through marketing, technical outreach and trade engagement.
LHCA said it supports the USDA’s approach to strengthening agricultural exports, particularly in the context of ongoing efforts to address the US agricultural trade balance.
image: Wickett and Craig tannery
