Focusing on industry and manufacturing, as opposed to end-use consumers, it permits potential customers to discover U.S. quality. It also allows manufacturers overseas to do test runs to assess how U.S. food and fiber products can best meet their production needs. In 2006, USDA provided allocations totaling $1.8 million to trade associations and state agricultural organizations under this program.

How the program benefits U.S. agriculture:  QSP stimulates interest and demand for U.S. agricultural products. The better opportunities for agricultural exports ripple throughout the U.S. economy. In 2007, agricultural exports are forecast to reach $77 billion, which will generate more American jobs in many off-farm activities like transportation, food processing, packaging, storing, and financing.

How the program works:  Each year, USDA announces an application period for participation in the QSP, publishing it in the Federal Register. Trade organizations and private firms can submit QSP proposals to USDA as part of the Unified Export Strategy (UES).

QSP applications undergo a competitive review process based on criteria specified in the Federal Register announcement. Participants who are approved for QSP funding obtain commodity samples, export them and provide the importer the technical assistance necessary to use the sample properly. When a project is finished, USDA reimburses the participants for the costs of procuring and exporting the samples. The technical assistance component is not covered by the program.

Priority is given to projects targeting developing nations or regions with a per capita income of less than $10,725 and a population greater than one million. Priority is also given to projects designed to expand exports where a U.S. commodity’s market share is 10 percent or less.

USDA’s Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) funds the program, which is authorized under the CCC Charter Act.

What commodities are covered:  USDA has approved QSP proposals to promote a wide variety of U.S. commodities, including wheat, citrus, cranberries, mohair, hides, rice, and soybeans. Many other commodities are eligible.