Meat Exporters Will Match Export Costs

April 2, 2002

The U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) is accepting applications from U.S. companies interested in receiving matching funds to promote branded U.S. meat products in international markets. Eligible companies must have 500 or fewer employees or be a producer cooperative or association. Allocations to private companies will be based on the expected effectiveness of the proposed activities and adherence to USDA Foreign Agriculture Service regulations governing the program.

Proposals received by June 15 will receive priority for funding, and promotions funded under this program may be conducted between July 1, 2002 and June 30, 2003. The deadline for submission of proposals is June 15, 2002, although applications will be accepted as long as funds are available. Companies that receive funding from USMEF will be charged a 5% administrative fee for participation in the program.

This administrative fee is based upon the total amount of award received through USMEF. The fee is non-refundable and is not prorated if the company does not spend the full level of its award. USMEF also requires a $100 submittal fee to accompany the company's request for funding. These funds will be applied toward the 5% fee.

If the submittal fee exceeds the 5% administrative fee, or if the company does not receive funding, the excess funds will be returned to the company. The funds are not refundable if the company does not complete the contracting process. Companies interested in the program should contact Barbara Watson at USMEF's Denver office for guidelines and proposal format. The address is: U.S. Meat Export Federation, Independence Plaza, 1050 17th St., Suite 2200, Denver, CO 80265; telephone: (303) 623-MEAT; fax (303) 623-0297; e-mail: bwatson@usmef.org.