October 9, 200

USDA's Foreign Agricultural Service says $9.8 million has been approved for projects and activities under the Emerging Markets Program. Of this total, approximately $6 million will be awarded directly to private organizations to support a number of export-related projects. The remaining amount is allocated to USDA agencies to undertake government-to-government projects that will promote the export of U.S. agricultural commodities and assist in the development of market-based economies. Amounts allocated to FAS will be used to work with private organizations on assessments, market access issues, training, and other marketing activities.

The Emerging Markets Program was originally authorized by the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 and amended by the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (FAIR Act). It is intended to promote agricultural exports to emerging markets through the sharing of U.S. agricultural technical expertise. The program encompasses all geographic regions and uses the funds and facilities of the Commodity Credit Corporation.

An emerging market is defined as any country that takes steps toward a market-oriented economy through its food, agricultural or rural business sectors. The law also requires that the country offer a viable and significant market for U.S. agricultural products.

Additional criteria used to determine emerging market status include a per capita income of less than $9,360 (1999) and a population greater than 1 million which may encompass suitable regional groupings of small nations, such as the Caribbean islands. Prospects for economic growth are also considered. A potential emerging market country must be judged to benefit from U.S. governmental assistance as the private sector moves to develop these markets through normal corporate or trade promotional activities.