WASHINGTON, Jan. 10, 2006—The U.S. Department of Agriculture today announced that it is accepting applications until March 13, 2006, for four export market development programs. The programs are the Emerging Markets Program (EMP), the Market Access Program (MAP), the Quality Samples Program (QSP) and the Foreign Market Development Cooperator Program (FMD). All of the programs are administered by USDA's Foreign Agricultural Service.
"Increased trade opportunities for U.S. agricultural products benefit not only the food and agriculture sectors, but the economy as a whole," said FAS Administrator A. Ellen Terpstra. "These programs will help our agricultural community take advantage of opportunities to access markets and reach new customers around the world."
Applications for funding are due by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on Monday, March 13, 2006.
The purpose of the EMP is to assist 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 only for generic activities and has a cost-sharing requirement.
The MAP helps U.S. trade organizations and small-sized entities create, expand and maintain foreign markets for U.S. agricultural commodities and products. MAP participants must contribute a minimum of 10 percent of the cost of generic marketing and promotion activities and 50 percent for branded promotions.
The QSP helps U.S. exporters provide samples of American commodities to foreign buyers who have not previously used them, as a means to encourage new purchases. The program supports projects that benefit whole industries rather than individual companies. When a project is finished, USDA reimburses the costs for procuring and exporting the samples.
The FMD provides funds to assist nonprofit U.S. agricultural trade organizations in developing and maintaining foreign markets for U.S. agricultural products through a cost-share program. FMD funds are allocated to U.S. trade organizations with the broadest possible producer representation. Priority is given to organizations that are nationwide in membership and scope. Activities must contribute to the maintenance or growth of demand for the agricultural commodities and generally address long-term foreign import constraints and export growth opportunities.
Applicants can submit a single application for all of the export assistance programs using the on-line Unified Export Strategy (UES). The Web-based application is located 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 the FAS Marketing Operations Staff by calling (202) 720-4327 for a log-on ID and a 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 1-866-705-5711.
Applications not submitted via the Internet can be hand-delivered to: USDA, Foreign Agricultural Service, Marketing Operations Staff, 1250 Maryland Ave., S.W., 4th Floor, Washington, DC 20024; mailed to: USDA, Foreign Agricultural Service, Marketing Operations Staff, Stop 1042, 1400 Independence Ave. S.W., Washington, DC 20250-1042; or sent electronically to: mosadmin@fas.usda.gov.
Details on application procedures for these programs can be found posted on the Web at http://www.fas.usda.gov/info/fr/notices.asp
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PR 0001-06
