2025 Technical Assistance for Specialty Crops Program
ID: 353359Type: Posted
Overview

Buyer

Foreign Agricultural Service (USDA-FAS)

Award Range

$0 - $500K

Eligible Applicants

Others

Funding Category

Agriculture

Funding Instrument

Grant

Opportunity Category

Discretionary

Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement

Yes
Timeline
    Description

    The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Foreign Agricultural Service is offering a funding opportunity through the 2025 Technical Assistance for Specialty Crops Program, aimed at supporting U.S. organizations in overcoming barriers to the export of specialty crops. This program seeks to address sanitary, phytosanitary, or technical challenges that hinder trade, specifically targeting projects that benefit entire industries rather than individual entities. With an estimated total program funding of $9 million and a maximum award ceiling of $500,000 per project, approximately 15-20 awards are anticipated for this initiative. Interested applicants must submit their proposals by June 30, 2025, with initial application deadlines set for June 14, 2024, and subsequent tranches due on December 31, 2024, and March 31, 2025. For further inquiries, applicants can contact Curt Alt at Curt.Alt@usda.gov or by phone at (202) 690-4784.

    Point(s) of Contact
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Foreign Agricultural Service has announced a funding opportunity for the Technical Assistance for Specialty Crops (TASC) program to assist U.S. organizations in addressing barriers to the export of specialty crops. The program, authorized under the Agricultural Trade Act, aims to mitigate sanitary, phytosanitary, or technical challenges that hinder trade in U.S. specialty crops, which exclude traditional commodities like wheat and rice. For fiscal years 2019-2023, Congress allocated $9 million annually, and while funding for FY 2025 remains uncertain, approximately 15-20 awards are anticipated, with a maximum of $500,000 available per project. Eligible applicants must be U.S.-based organizations with a focus on agricultural exports, and applications should outline projects that benefit entire industries rather than individual entities. The application process includes specified submission formats and performance measurement criteria. Applications will be evaluated based on factors such as the project’s potential trade impact and the organization’s capacity to manage the proposed project. Overall, this initiative reflects the USDA’s commitment to fostering export opportunities for U.S. specialty crops through strategic funding and support.
    Similar Opportunities
    Assisting Specialist Crop Exports: Provision of MRL Information
    Active
    Foreign Agricultural Service
    The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Foreign Agricultural Service has announced a funding opportunity titled "Assisting Specialist Crop Exports: Provision of MRL Information," aimed at supporting U.S. specialty crop producers in overcoming maximum residue limit (MRL) trade barriers. The initiative seeks to provide comprehensive access to MRL information related to pesticide and veterinary drug regulations in foreign markets, enabling exporters to enhance their competitive edge and comply with diverse regulatory standards. This funding opportunity, with a total estimated program funding of $2.5 million and initial awards up to $500,000, is open to eligible organizations such as trade organizations and nonprofits, with applications due by October 18, 2024. For further inquiries, interested parties can contact Jim Suits at jim.suits@usda.gov or by phone at 202-720-6328.
    2025 Quality Samples Program
    Active
    Foreign Agricultural Service
    The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Foreign Agricultural Service has announced the 2025 Quality Samples Program, offering grants to support U.S. entities in enhancing export markets for agricultural commodities. The program aims to provide funding for projects that supply commodity samples to foreign importers, thereby promoting the high quality of U.S. agricultural products. With a total funding amount of up to $2.5 million available for 12 to 22 projects, applicants must submit detailed market strategies and project goals through the Unified Export Strategy system by various deadlines, with the final submission date set for June 30, 2025. For further inquiries, interested parties can contact Curt Alt at Curt.Alt@usda.gov or by phone at (202) 690-4784.
    2025 Emerging Markets Program
    Active
    Foreign Agricultural Service
    The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Foreign Agricultural Service is offering the 2025 Emerging Markets Program (EMP) to support U.S. entities in expanding markets for agricultural exports. This grant opportunity aims to foster cooperation between U.S. agribusinesses and institutions in emerging markets, with a focus on projects that target non-high-income nations as classified by the World Bank. The program has an estimated total funding of $8 million, with individual grants capped at $500,000, and anticipates awarding 20-30 grants for projects lasting from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2027. Interested applicants must comply with specific eligibility guidelines and are encouraged to contact Curt Alt at Curt.Alt@usda.gov for further information, with key application deadlines spanning from June 14, 2024, to June 30, 2025.
    Specialty Crop Research Initiative
    Active
    National Institute of Food and Agriculture
    The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) is offering the Specialty Crop Research Initiative (SCRI) grant to support critical research and extension projects aimed at addressing significant challenges within the U.S. specialty crop industry. This initiative seeks to fund projects that focus on five key areas, including plant breeding, pest and disease management, production efficiency, technological innovations, and food safety measures. With an estimated total program funding of $75.44 million, the SCRI encourages diverse participation, particularly from underserved communities, and emphasizes collaborative, transdisciplinary approaches to enhance agricultural sustainability. Pre-applications are due by November 8, 2024, and interested applicants can direct inquiries to grantapplicationquestions@usda.gov for further assistance.
    Special Technology Development Program
    Active
    Forest Service
    The USDA Forest Service is forecasting a funding opportunity under the Special Technology Development Program (STDP), which aims to enhance forest health across rural, wildland, and urban areas through the development of innovative technologies. This program seeks proposals that align with the Forest Health Protection mission, specifically targeting issues related to forest insects, pathogens, diseases, and invasive plants, with a focus on creating tools for early detection and improved pest management practices. The STDP is critical for addressing environmental challenges and promoting sustainable forest management, with an expected 15 awards available for projects that meet the outlined criteria. Interested applicants can contact Vanessa Lopez, the National Program Manager, at vanessa.lopez@usda.gov or by phone at 760-963-1198, with proposals due by October 14, 2022, for the fiscal year 2023.
    National Animal Disease Preparedness and Response Program Fiscal Year 2025
    Active
    Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
    The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is offering a funding opportunity through the National Animal Disease Preparedness and Response Program (NADPRP) for Fiscal Year 2025, with a total of up to $16.5 million available. The program aims to enhance the nation's preparedness against foreign and emerging animal diseases by supporting projects that develop and exercise emergency response plans, improve livestock biosecurity, enhance animal disease traceability, and conduct training programs. This initiative is critical for safeguarding U.S. agriculture and aligns with USDA's strategic goals, particularly in addressing the threats posed by animal diseases. Applications are due by October 18, 2024, and eligible applicants include state agriculture departments, veterinary colleges, Indian Tribes, and other relevant organizations. For inquiries, interested parties can contact Julie Wallin at julie.e.wallin@usda.gov or call 970-494-7258.
    Grants Technical Assistance for Pesticide Safety Programs: Technical Assistance in Support of the Health Care Initiative and the Farmworker Training and Education Program
    Active
    Environmental Protection Agency
    The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is offering a funding opportunity for a cooperative agreement aimed at providing technical assistance for pesticide safety programs, specifically supporting the Health Care Initiative and the Farmworker Training and Education Program. This initiative seeks to enhance the capacity of eligible non-profit organizations to manage grants related to pesticide safety training and education, ensuring compliance with EPA's grant management requirements and assisting potential applicants in navigating the application process. The program is critical for improving grant processes and outcomes, particularly in underserved communities disproportionately affected by environmental harms. The total funding available is approximately $1.47 million, with proposals due by December 5, 2024. Interested applicants can contact Alex Nash at nash.alexandra@epa.gov or by phone at 202-566-1435 for further information.
    Community Food Projects Competitive Grant Program
    Active
    National Institute of Food and Agriculture
    The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) is offering the Community Food Projects Competitive Grant Program (CFPCGP) to support innovative projects aimed at enhancing food security in underserved communities. This program invites applications for two types of grants: Planning Projects (PP) and Community Food Projects (CFP), both of which require a dollar-for-dollar match for federal funds and must align with the program's priorities, emphasizing community engagement and sustainable practices. With an estimated total funding of $4.8 million available for Fiscal Years 2025 and 2026, individual awards will range from $25,000 to $400,000, and applications must be submitted electronically via Grants.gov by November 7, 2024. For further inquiries, applicants can contact NIFA Support at grantapplicationquestions@usda.gov.
    FY24-FY28 John Ogonowski and Doug Bereuter Farmer-to-Farmer Program
    Active
    Agency for International Development
    The Agency for International Development (USAID) is forecasting the FY24-FY28 John Ogonowski and Doug Bereuter Farmer-to-Farmer Program, aimed at fostering sustainable economic growth in the agricultural sector. This program seeks to enhance agricultural productivity, improve environmental conservation, expand access to financial services, and strengthen agricultural institutions through demand-driven activities tailored to local needs. Eligible applicants include U.S. private voluntary organizations, nonprofit agricultural organizations, agricultural cooperatives, agribusinesses, and educational institutions with relevant experience in international agricultural development. Interested parties should note that the estimated synopsis close date is April 20, 2023, and can reach out to Matthew Case at mcase@usaid.gov or by phone at 202-916-2753 for further information.
    Agriculture and Food Research Initiative Competitive Grants Program Foundational and Applied Science Program
    Active
    National Institute of Food and Agriculture
    The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) is offering the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) Competitive Grants Program, specifically the Foundational and Applied Science Program, to support research, education, and extension projects in the food and agricultural sciences for Fiscal Year 2024. This program aims to advance knowledge in six priority areas: plant health and production, animal health and production, food safety and nutrition, bioenergy and natural resources, agricultural systems and technology, and rural community economics, with a total estimated funding of $300 million. The initiative emphasizes diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility, encouraging applications from minority-serving institutions and those addressing critical challenges such as climate change and food security. Interested applicants can find more information and application details on the NIFA website, with proposals due by December 31, 2024, and funding amounts ranging from $1,000 to $15 million.