The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) is offering a funding opportunity to support the Assisting Specialty Crop Exports (ASCE) Initiative, which aims to enhance the export of U.S. specialty crops by aligning pesticide regulatory systems and establishing trade-facilitative maximum residue limits (MRLs) across various regions. This initiative includes three distinct tracks: Track 1 focuses on Asia, Track 2 on Latin America and the Caribbean, and Track 3 on Africa, each designed to address specific regulatory challenges and promote risk-based pesticide frameworks in accordance with international standards. Eligible applicants include U.S. colleges, government entities, and nonprofits, with a total funding ceiling of $10 million available, distributed among the tracks, and no cost-sharing requirement. Proposals must be submitted by July 29, 2024, with awards expected to be announced by September 6, 2024; for further inquiries, contact Lindsay Malecha at lindsay.malecha@usda.gov or 202-777-9054.