Export Funding Announced

December 30, 2005 -- This week, the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) posted several Federal Register notices announcing that it is inviting proposals for available funds for the 2006/2007 program year. Included in the announcements are the Quality Samples Program (QSP), the Market Access Program (MAP), the Emerging Markets Program (EMP) and the Foreign Market Development Cooperator Program.

The general purpose of the programs, although there are some differences, is to create, expand and maintain foreign markets for U.S. agricultural commodities. Depending on the program, applicants must be nonprofit U.S. agricultural trade organizations, U.S. agricultural cooperatives or a state agency. Applicants must agree to cost share and contribute resources to its proposed activities.

The American Sheep Industry Association (ASI) has received funding through these programs in previous years to promote U.S. agricultural products overseas and will again apply for 2006/2007 dollars

?The sheep industry made a strong showing with positive results from these programs in the past years,? said Rita Kourlis Samuelson, ASI wool marketing director. ?This is extremely important funding for the U.S. wool industry as it continues to explore new markets.?

All programs are administered by the Foreign Agricultural Service. Qualifying applications received by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, March 13, 2006, will be considered.

Staff contact: Rita Kourlis Samuelson