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FACT
SHEET:
Foreign
Market Development Program
November 2007
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Printable version (.pdf)
The Foreign Market Development (FMD) Program, also known as the Cooperator
Program, uses funds from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Commodity
Credit Corporation (CCC) to create, expand, and maintain long-term export
markets for U.S. agricultural products. First established under the authority of
Public Law 480, the FMD was re-authorized by Title VII of the Agricultural Trade
Act of 1978, and is administrated by USDA's Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS).
The Cooperator program has fostered a trade promotion partnership between
USDA and U.S. agricultural producers and processors, who are represented by
nonprofit commodity or trade associations called Cooperators. Under this
partnership, USDA and the Cooperators pool their technical and financial
resources to conduct overseas market development activities.
How the program benefits U.S. agriculture: The Cooperator program
benefits U.S. farmers, processors, and exporters by assisting their
organizations in developing new foreign markets and increasing market share in
existing markets. Overseas promotions focus on generic U.S. commodities, rather
than brand-name products, and are targeted toward long-term development.
How the program works: Under the FMD, CCC funds partially reimburse
Cooperators conducting approved overseas promotional activities. Preference is
given to nonprofit U.S. agricultural and trade groups that represent an entire
industry or are nationwide in membership and scope.
Each year USDA announces an application period for participation in the FMD
and publishes it in the Federal Register. Proposals for the FMD are developed by
trade organizations and may be submitted to USDA as part of the Unified Export
Strategy (UES) process that allows applicants to request funding for several
USDA market development programs through a single strategically coordinated
proposal. FMD regulations (7 CFR 1484), define program requirements, including
cost-sharing, strategic planning, reimbursement procedures, records and
reporting requirements, and evaluations.
FMD applications undergo a competitive review process. Funds are awarded to
applicants that demonstrate effective performance based on a clear long-term
strategic plan. Cooperators must keep an itemized list of expenses incurred
during the program year and submit them to USDA for reimbursement. All expenses
are subject to audits and Cooperators are accountable for maintaining proper
documentation.
Where to get information: Contact the USDA–FAS Marketing Operations
Staff, AG Box 1042, 1400 Independence Ave., SW Washington, DC 20250-1042; Phone:
(202) 720-4327.
General information about FAS programs, resources, and services is available
on the Internet at the FAS home page:
http://www.fas.usda.gov.
Foreign Market
Development Program (FMD)
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2007 |
Organization |
Allocation |
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American Forest
& Paper Association |
$3,262,482 |
American Peanut
Council |
695,048 |
American Seed
Trade Association |
205,286 |
American Sheep
Industry Association |
144,179 |
American Soybean
Association |
7,380,344 |
Cotton Council
International |
4,240,737 |
Leather
Industries of America |
164,155 |
Mohair Council
of America |
20,681 |
National Hay
Association |
38,894 |
National
Renderers Association |
949,676 |
National
Sunflower Association |
271,433 |
North American
Millers Association |
37,338 |
U.S. Dairy
Export Council |
791,033 |
U.S. Dry Bean
Council |
148,256 |
U.S. Grains
Council |
4,686,511 |
U.S. Hide, Skin
and Leather Association |
113,600 |
U.S. Livestock
Genetics |
651,185 |
U.S. Meat Export
Federation |
1,686,700 |
U.S. Wheat
Associates |
5,683,902 |
USA Dry Pea and
Lentil Council |
157,648 |
USA Poultry and
Egg Export Council |
1,504,276 |
USA Rice
Federation |
1,666,636 |
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Total |
$34,500,000 |
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2006 Foreign Market Development Cooperator Program
Cooperator |
FY 2006 Allocations |
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American Forest & Paper Association |
$3,484,081 |
American Peanut Council |
$654,030 |
American Seed Trade Association |
$134,395 |
American Sheep Industry Association |
$162,810 |
American Soybean Association |
$7,090,643 |
Cotton Council International |
$3,778,136 |
Leather Industries of America |
$158,418 |
Mohair Council of America |
$19,393 |
National Dry Bean Council |
$123,953 |
National Hay Association |
$36,424 |
National Renderers Association |
$944,218 |
National Sunflower Association |
$227,049 |
North American Millers Association |
$49,624 |
U.S. Dairy Export Council |
$750,918 |
U.S. Grains Council |
$5,235,760 |
U.S. Hide, Skin and Leather Association |
$119,614 |
U.S. Livestock Genetics |
$696,948 |
U.S. Meat Export Federation |
$1,962,744 |
U.S. Wheat Associates |
$5,659,220 |
USA Dry Pea and Lentil Council |
$165,346 |
USA Poultry and Egg Export Council |
$1,583,360 |
USA Rice Federation |
$1,462,916 |
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TOTAL ALLOCATION |
$34,500,000 |
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