The American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC) is currently facing a critical funding delay and needs industry help, according to an urgent mail from the  American Hardwood Export Council. 

According to the email, despite initial "carryover" funds, all USDA allocations for 2025 are on hold pending a review by the current administration and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). This review aligns with "Agenda 2025," which proposes the complete elimination of USDA export promotion funding.

The email describes several impacts to the industry, including:

• Program Disruptions: The funding delay has already forced AHEC to postpone the American Hardwood Convention in China and cancel the IndiaWood trade show along with accompanying factory visits. 
• Upcoming Events at Risk: Other significant events, including the Dubai Woodshow, Interzum Guangzhou, and even Interzum Cologne, are now at serious risk.

The council asks for immediate action be taken. "It's vital that we contact our representatives in Washington to emphasize the importance of exports and export promotion to our businesses and the urgent need to release these funds," the group said.

Here is the steps AHEC is asking industry supporters to take:

•    Identify Your Representatives: Use this link to find your members of Congress. 

•    Ensure you contact representatives for both your business and home districts if they differ.

Make the Call:
Introduce Yourself:

•    State your name, company, location, and the number of employees. 

Describe Your Business:
•    Briefly explain your products and their applications. 

Express Your Concern:
•    Highlight your concern about the USDA's delay in releasing 2025 MAP and FMD funds to AHEC. 

Emphasize AHEC's Role:
•    Note that AHEC effectively supports the U.S. hardwood industry in developing international markets. 
Economic Impact:
•    Mention that in 2024, exports of logs, lumber, and veneer were valued at $3.6 billion, with a $1.3 billion trade surplus in hardwood lumber. 
•    Point out that half of the grade lumber is exported globally. 

Program Success:
•    State that MAP/FMD programs have been instrumental in expanding markets in China, Mexico, Europe, India, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. 

Impact on Small Businesses:
•    Stress that the U.S. hardwood industry consists mainly of small, family-owned businesses in rural areas that depend on these programs for growth. 

Personal Impact:
•    Share a specific example of how AHEC programs have benefited your business.

Call to Action:
•    Request that the staff member inquire with the USDA about the release timeline of these funds, emphasizing the urgency due to ongoing planning for 2025 events and marketing opportunities.

Report Back:
•    Inform Mike Snow and/or the Hardwood Federation about your outreach efforts, including who you spoke with and when.