WASHINGTON, Jan. 23, 2008—The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service today announced that it is accepting applications for the Emerging Markets Program (EMP) to help expand commercial export markets for U.S. agricultural commodities. Applications for funding are due by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Feb. 25, 2008.

The EMP assists U.S. public and private organizations in improving market opportunities for U.S. agricultural products in low- to middle-income countries with market potential. The program can be used for technical assistance, such as activities that focus on trade capacity building or addressing technical barriers to trade. The EMP has a cost-sharing requirement.

Applicants can submit a single application using the on-line Unified Export Strategy (UES). The Web-based application is on the Internet at http://www.fas.usda.gov/cooperators.html. Applicants are encouraged, but not required, to apply through the Internet. To do so, contact FAS’ Program Policy Staff by calling (202) 720-4327 for a log-on ID and password.

All applicants must obtain a Dun & Bradstreet (DUNS) number for federal assistance prior to submitting applications. Information and numbers may be obtained by calling toll free
1-866-705-5711.

Applications not submitted via the Internet can be hand-delivered (including FedEx, DHL or UPS) to: USDA, Foreign Agricultural Service, Grants Management Branch, Portals Office Building, Suite 400, 1250 Maryland Ave., S.W., Washington, DC 20024; or mailed to: USDA, Foreign Agricultural Service, Grants Management Branch, Stop 1042, 1400 Independence Ave. S.W., Washington, DC 20250-1042.

Details on application procedures will be published in the Jan. 24 Federal Register notice located on the Internet at http://www.fas.usda.gov/info/fr/notices.asp.

For more information on the EMP, go to http://www.fas.usda.gov/mos/em-markets/em-markets.asp. For the latest updates on agency programs and activities, go to the FAS Web page at http://www.fas.usda.gov.

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PR 0025-08