WASHINGTON, July 5, 2007—USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service today announced that it will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, July 25 on regulations for the Market Access Program (MAP). The hearing is scheduled from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the Jefferson Auditorium at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, DC 20250.

"This hearing will help us improve the effectiveness of FAS’ Market Access Program, which is so critical to helping U.S. farmers and ranchers gain access to growing international markets," said FAS Administrator Mike Yost.

The MAP helps U.S. trade organizations and small businesses create, expand and maintain foreign markets for U.S. agricultural commodities and products. The program forms partnerships to share the costs of international marketing and promotional activities.

Comments are being solicited about application requirements; participant eligibility; the review, allocation and compliance processes; reimbursement rules; contracting and risk management procedures; and any other aspect of the program, which should be addressed in the program regulations.

Persons who wish to speak at the hearing may register on the day of the hearing or in advance by writing to Mark Slupek, Director, Program Policy Staff, Office of Trade Programs, Foreign Agricultural Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture 1400 Independence Ave., S.W., STOP 1042, Washington, DC 20250-1042.

The deadline for receiving written comments is Monday, Aug. 13, 2007. A copy of the current program regulations and other MAP information may be obtained on the FAS Web site at http://www.fas.usda.gov/mos/programs/map.asp

Comments may be hand delivered, including by FedEx, DHL, UPS, to: Program Policy Staff, Office of Trade Programs, Foreign Agricultural Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1250 Maryland Avenue, S.W., Suite 400, Washington, DC 20024-2162. Comments may also be mailed to: Program Policy Staff, Office of Trade Programs, Foreign Agricultural Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Ave., S.W., STOP 1042, Washington, DC 20250-1042.

For further information, contact Mark Slupek, Director, Program Policy Staff, Office of Trade Programs, Foreign Agricultural Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, (202) 720-4327; fax (202) 720-9361.
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PR-0070-07