December 14, 2000
USDA has announced budgets of $33.5 million for 25 U.S. trade organizations for export promotion activities under the Foreign Market Development program (FMD). Program activities focus on reducing market impediments, improving the processing capabilities of importers, modifying restrictive regulatory codes and standards, and identifying new markets or uses for U.S. products.
Under the program, USDA enters into agreements with nonprofit U.S. agricultural trade organizations with broad producer representation to foster a trade promotion partnership. Priority is given to organizations that represent an entire industry or are nationwide in membership and scope. In 2001, cooperators and U.S. industries will contribute cost-sharing resources totaling an additional 116 percent of the announced $33.5 million provided from funding by USDA's Foreign Agricultural Service, which administers the FMD program.
The program has mobilized private sector support and funding for market development activities in more than 100 countries worldwide. All program applications undergo a competitive review that is based on specific criteria.
FY 2001 FMD program budgets are attached. For more information on the program, visit the FAS Web site at http://www.fas.usda.gov/mos/programs/fmd.html, or call the FAS Marketing Operations Staff at (202) 720-4327.
The fiscal 2001 budgets include the American Forest and Paper Association $2,962,771; American Peanut Council $558,944; American Seafood Institute $55,611; American Seed Trade Association $274,889; American Sheep Industry Association $169,639; American Soybean Association $7,400,417; California Agricultural Export Council $11,403; Cotton Council International $2,087,397; Leather Industries of America $199,000; Mohair Council of America $26,183; National Cottonseed Products Association $120,558; National Dry Bean Council $122,218; National Hay Association $40,218; National Renderers Association $998,170; National Sunflower Association $265,475; North American Millers Association $70,368; USA Dry Pea and Lentil Council $187,738; USA Poultry and Egg Export Council $1,495,170; USA Rice Federation $1,687,806; U.S. Dairy Export Council $808,916; U.S. Grains Council $5,559,188; U.S. Hide, Skin and Leather Association $85,000; U.S. Livestock Genetics Export Inc. $741,718; U.S. Meat Export Federation $1,455,832; U.S. Wheat Associates $6,161,370.