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FAS accepting foreign marketing apps

USDA’s Foreign Ag Service will start accepting applications this week for FY 2015 export development programs.

Most of the funding, nearly $172 million is allocated to the Market Access Program (MAP) where USDA helps trade associations, cooperatives, small businesses and trade groups promote and market products in overseas markets. Another $24 million will go to developing and maintaining long-term markets through the Foreign Market Development Program (FMD).

Applications for 2015 export development program funding will be accepted beginning April 17, 2014. In addition to MAP and FMD programs, eligible organizations can apply for funding through the Technical Assistance for Specialty Crops (TASC) Program, Quality Samples Program (QSP) and Emerging Markets Program (EMP).

Last year more than 60 organizations received funding to help expand foreign markets for U.S. agricultural products. Those funds ranged from $167,000 to the Ginseng Board of Wisconsin to more than $15 million to the Cotton Council International.

Applicants are encouraged to apply via the Unified Export Strategy online application system. Information is available at http://www.fas.usda.gov/unified-export-strategy. Applications can also be emailed to podadmin@fas.usda.gov or hand-delivered to: USDA Foreign Agricultural Service, Office of Trade Programs, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Room 6512-S, Washington, D.C. 20250. New applicants are encouraged to email podadmin@fas.usda.gov to request more information. Applicants must have a Dun & Bradstreet (DUNS) number for federal assistance, which can be obtained online at http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform or by phone, (866) 705-5711

An independent study released in 2010 found that trade promotion programs like MAP and FMD provide $35 in economic benefits for every dollar spent by government and industry on market development.

 

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