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Under the MAP, FAS enters into assistance agreements with eligible Participants to share the cost of certain marketing and promotion activities designed to foster healthy exports and market diversification by encouraging the development, maintenance, and expansion of diverse commercial export markets for United States agricultural commodities and products. Assistance may be provided for either generic or brand promotion activities. While activities generally take place overseas, reimbursable activities may also take place in the United States. Financial assistance under the MAP is made available on a competitive basis, and applications are reviewed against the evaluation criteria contained herein. FAS endeavors to enter into agreements with eligible Participants to cover as broad an array of agricultural commodity sectors as possible and to maximize the likelihood that benefits generated will be available throughout the relevant agricultural sectors and that no single entity gains an undue advantage or sole benefit from program activities. All U.S. agricultural commodities, except tobacco, are eligible for consideration. Applicants should refer to and have a common understanding of the MAP programmatic regulations,7 CFR Part 1485, and the definitions contained within to fully understand this opportunity.

The TASC program is designed to assist U.S. organizations by providing funding for projects that seek to remove, resolve, or mitigate existing or potential sanitary, phytosanitary, or technical barriers that prohibit or threaten the export of U.S. specialty crops. The TASC program is administered by personnel of the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) on behalf of the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC).

The Cochran Fellowship Program’s Latin America and Caribbean Region is requesting the design and delivery of a training program for a cohort of up to seven Fellows from Costa Rica and seven Fellows from Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras for a total of 14 Fellows.BACKGROUNDSince 1984, the U.S. Congress has made funds available to the Cochran Fellowship Program for training agriculturalists from middle-income countries, emerging markets, and emerging democracies. Training opportunities are for senior and mid-level specialists and administrators working in agricultural trade and policy, agribusiness development, management, animal, plant, and food sciences, extension services, agricultural marketing, and many other areas. Individuals selected for Cochran trainings come from both the public and private sectors. All training occurs in the United States. Training programs are designed and organized in conjunction with U.S. universities, USDA and other government agencies, agribusinesses, and consultants. The Cochran Fellowship Program is part of the United States Department of Agriculture's Foreign Agricultural Service. Since its start in 1984, the Cochran Fellowship Program has provided U.S.-based training for over 19,000 international participants from 126 countries worldwide.SCOPEThe program should provide participants with a thorough understanding of the different varieties and uses of U.S. dry beans. In particular, USDA notes an opportunity to introduce dry bean products as ingredients in processed foods.The program should provide the Fellows an overview of the U.S. dry bean industry showcasing the quality, nutritional value, and versatility of U.S. dry beans. Topics should provide an overview of U.S. dry beans including variety and quality. The program should expose Fellows to the dry bean supply chain, farming practices and technology, storage, processing, grading, and inspection procedures. Additional topics should include U.S. dry bean market trends and practices, use of dry beans, and ingredients for processed products. The training program should include visits to farms, processing facilities, and retailers as well as a meeting with the U.S. Dry Bean Export Council. The program should occur in the Spring in time for Fellows to observe the dry bean planting season. The objective of the program is to educate the Fellows on U.S. dry beans, their varieties, and their uses. The goal of the program is to increase the Fellows’ capacity for understanding applications of agricultural research, extension, and teaching; and to increase trade linkages between Costa Rica, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, and the United States.LEARNING OBJECTIVESThe recipient will ensure that the Fellows increase their knowledge in the following areas:• Production and supply chain• Dry bean varieties• Quality specifications• Nutritional value of U.S. dry beans• Using dry beans as ingredients• Dry bean consumer products• Market and retail trends• New product development

The Cochran Fellowship Program’s Latin America and Caribbean Region is requesting the design and delivery of a training program for a cohort of up to seven Fellows from Costa Rica and seven Fellows from Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras for a total of 14 Fellows.BACKGROUNDSince 1984, the U.S. Congress has made funds available to the Cochran Fellowship Program for training agriculturalists from middle-income countries, emerging markets, and emerging democracies. Training opportunities are for senior and mid-level specialists and administrators working in agricultural trade and policy, agribusiness development, management, animal, plant, and food sciences, extension services, agricultural marketing, and many other areas. Individuals selected for Cochran trainings come from both the public and private sectors. All training occurs in the United States. Training programs are designed and organized in conjunction with U.S. universities, USDA and other government agencies, agribusinesses, and consultants. The Cochran Fellowship Program is part of the United States Department of Agriculture's Foreign Agricultural Service. Since its start in 1984, the Cochran Fellowship Program has provided U.S.-based training for over 19,000 international participants from 126 countries worldwide.SCOPEThe program should provide participants with a thorough understanding of the different varieties and uses of U.S. dry beans. In particular, USDA notes an opportunity to introduce dry bean products as ingredients in processed foods.The program should provide the Fellows an overview of the U.S. dry bean industry showcasing the quality, nutritional value, and versatility of U.S. dry beans. Topics should provide an overview of U.S. dry beans including variety and quality. The program should expose Fellows to the dry bean supply chain, farming practices and technology, storage, processing, grading, and inspection procedures. Additional topics should include U.S. dry bean market trends and practices, use of dry beans, and ingredients for processed products. The training program should include visits to farms, processing facilities, and retailers as well as a meeting with the U.S. Dry Bean Export Council. The objective of the program is to educate the Fellows on U.S. dry beans, their varieties, and their uses. The goal of the program is to increase the Fellows’ capacity for understanding applications of agricultural research, extension, and teaching; and to increase trade linkages between Costa Rica, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, and the United States.LEARNING OBJECTIVESThe recipient will ensure that the Fellows increase their knowledge in the following areas:• Production and supply chain• Dry bean varieties• Quality specifications• Nutritional value of U.S. dry beans• Using dry beans as ingredients• Dry bean consumer products• Market and retail trends• New product development

The Cochran Fellowship Program’s Latin America and Caribbean Region is requesting the design and delivery of a training program for a cohort of up to seven Fellows from Peru, currently consisting of (and subject to change): (1) Architect and Real Estate Supervisor for Fondo Mivienda S.A. (My Housing Fund)(1) Project Manager for Andina Proyectos (company)(1) CEO of Proycon Contratistas SAC(1) General Manager and Owner of Huayruro Furniture, Design, and Remodeling(1) Dean of Faculty for Architecture, Urbanism and Arts of Antenor Orrego Private University (1) CEO for the Peru Green Building Council(1) Executive President of National Construction Industry Training Service (SENCICO)BACKGROUNDSince 1984, the U.S. Congress has made funds available to the Cochran Fellowship Program for training agriculturalists from middle-income countries, emerging markets, and emerging democracies. Training opportunities are for senior and mid-level specialists and administrators working in agricultural trade and policy, agribusiness development, management, animal, plant, and food sciences, extension services, agricultural marketing, and many other areas. Individuals selected for Cochran trainings come from both the public and private sectors. All training occurs in the United States. Training programs are designed and organized in conjunction with U.S. universities, USDA and other government agencies, agribusinesses, and consultants. The Cochran Fellowship Program is part of the United States Department of Agriculture's Foreign Agricultural Service. Since its start in 1984, the Cochran Fellowship Program has provided U.S.-based training for over 19,250 international participants from 127 countries worldwide.SCOPEGovernment officials, academia, and architects in Peru need to strengthen their knowledge of technical science-based wood housing building codes and structures. This program on U.S. Softwoods for Structural Material should provide training on the technical science-based standards used for U.S. wood housing building codes and introduce participants to U.S.softwoods and engineered woods and their uses and qualities for building construction. The Fellows should have opportunities to visit softwood plantations, sawmills, wood grading, and standardization facilities, and to see examples of wood housing construction. The Fellows should also meet with representatives of the U.S. lumber industry, including the Softwood Export Council, Southern Wood Products Association, and Engineered Wood Association (APA) as well as with architects, engineers, and wood construction companies. The objective of the program is to build demand for U.S. softwood and engineered wood products in Peru. The goal of the program is to increase the Fellows’ capacity for agricultural research, extension, and teaching.LEARNING OBJECTIVESThe recipient will ensure that the Fellows increase their knowledge in the following areas:Overview of U.S. lumber:Types of U.S. lumber: classification, grades, and sizes (nominal vs. actual)ASTM standards development processPhysical and mechanical properties, including resistance capacityProduction of sawn woodProduction of pressure treated wood, including pressure treated wood studsTechnology used for selecting lumber, treatments for preservation, and wood testingEngineered woods: wood-plastic composites, cross-laminated timber (CLT), and plywood OSB beamsUses and characteristics of engineered woods for construction, including fire resistanceWood housing construction:Benefits of building with lumber over other materialsPractical wood frame design, balloon framing, and wood flooringUsing lumber in large scale constructionU.S. standard construction standards, practices, and safety codesConstruction for tropical climates, rural housing, and structure reinforcement forearthquakesGreen building: tiny houses, energy efficiency, low ecological impact, and reducingwasteWood construction solutions for social housing, including multifamily buildingsPrefabricated house constructionWood trailer constructionImproving building speed: pre-fabrication and tools for increasing efficiencyMarketing wood construction:Strategies for advertising advantages and sustainability of wood buildings and explaining benefits to clients

The EMP is established to develop, maintain, or expand markets for exports of United States agricultural commodities and to promote cooperation and exchange of information between agricultural institutions and agribusinesses in the United States and emerging markets. The EMP assists U.S. entities in developing, maintaining, or expanding exports of U.S. agricultural commodities and products by funding activities that enhance emerging markets’ food and rural business systems, including reducing trade barriers. The EMP is intended primarily to support export market development efforts of the private sector, but EMP resources may also be used to assist public organizations. The EMP is administered by personnel of the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) on behalf of the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC).

BackgroundOne of the greatest threats to vital pesticide tools and maximum residue limits (MRLs) for U.S. farmers and other farmers around the world, is the reduction or removal of MRLs from the European Union, which has a spillover effect of forcing farmers outside of Europe to discontinue use of important pesticides or modify their use pattern in such a way as to make them ineffective against damaging pests and diseases. With potential loses of EU markets, countries must find ways to expand trade opportunities and support their farmers by providing and maintaining critical pest control tools and trade standards.Trade between the U.S. and the Asia-Pacific region is growing more quickly than any other region and is set to continue on an explosive trajectory. This is particularly true for fresh fruit and vegetable commodities, which are disproportionately affected by pesticide MRL-related trade barriers.Access to newer, low-risk, pesticide products continue to be challenging for farmers around the world. Even when the products are available, farmers in all countries, including the United States, face trade barriers when residue standards differ, or do not exist, in export markets. These obstacles, and calls for collaborative action, have been highlighted at the 3rd Global Minor Use Summit (Montreal, October 2017), the World Trade Organization Sanitary and Phytosanitary Committee (Geneva, October 2017), and the 11th Session of the WTO Ministerial Conference (Argentina, December 2017). At these international conferences, it was recognized that the foundation of working toward aligned MRLs and providing critical pest control tools for farmers originates with strong and coordinated national pesticide registration systems.DescriptionThe Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) recognizes that to ensure continued market access for U.S. agricultural exports, the U.S. Department of Agriculture must provide technical assistance to Asia officials to assist in the development and adoption of science-based and trade-facilitating policies. While the United States is one of Asia’s largest trading partners, sanitary, phytosanitary and food safety regulations that are inconsistent with international standards continue to disrupt exports of U.S. agricultural products into the region.This program helps partner countries in Asia’s regional economic communities, The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), to understand and adopt regulations consistent with U.S. and international standard setting bodies as well as ensure compliance with the APEC MRL Guidelines. The program is designed and organized in conjunction with U.S. universities, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and other U.S. Government agencies, agribusinesses, and consultants.The USDA aims to align pesticide registration systems and MRLs standard setting across Asia, and to do so based on the U.S. regulatory system and international standard setting bodies. Alignment of registration systems and trade standards based on risk is a complex process, involving multiple regulatory agencies and technical staff across the regions, and requires a multifaceted approach involving experts from a broad array of subject matters. Aligned trade standards support exports of U.S. agricultural products to foreign markets.Program Objectives1) Encourage science-based and trade facilitating policy reform in Asia based on international SPS standards and obligations.2) Improve standard operating procedures (SOPs) for inspection, sampling, and treatments at ports of entry based on risk principles and international standards.3) Build robust regulatory framework for biopesticide registration both nationally and regionally4) Leverage active work streams in MRL registration, pesticide communication, import MRLs, and alignment of international standards for the creation of a larger, well-coordinated pesticide MRL capacity-building program in Asia.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Foreign Agricultural Services (FAS), will support placement of eligible graduate students with USDA offices overseas, to assist with representing U.S. agricultural interests and increasing trade abroad.BACKGROUNDThe Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) is the foreign affairs arm of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). FAS links U.S. agriculture to the world to enhance export opportunities and global food security for the expansion and growth of U.S. farmers and ranchers. In addition to its Washington, D.C. staff, FAS has a global network of 92 offices covering approximately 175 countries. These offices are staffed by agricultural attachés and locally hired agricultural experts who are the eyes, ears, and voices for U.S. agriculture around the world. FAS staff identify problems, provide practical solutions, and work to advance opportunities for U.S. agriculture and support U.S. foreign policy around the globe.SCOPEIn support of teaching and research in the agricultural sciences, FAS seeks to support the placement of graduate students in USDA offices overseas, to work on assignments related to agricultural analysis, and to enhance trade linkages between eligible countries and agricultural interests in the United States. USDA anticipates an eight (8) week assignment for participants to gain knowledge, skills and abilities at assigned overseas offices, during the summer timeframe.The recipient will manage the IIP for eligible participants, i.e. graduate students or recent graduates with studies in economics, analytics, or related fields. A complete set of expectations for such management is described in Section F, and should be reviewed carefully.

The Cooperator program is designed to maintain and develop foreign markets for United States agricultural commodities and products through cost–share assistance. Financial assistance under the Cooperator program will be made available on a competitive basis and applications will be reviewed against the evaluation criteria contained herein and in the Cooperator program regulations. Applicants should refer to and have a common understanding of the Cooperator program regulations, 7 CFR Part 1484, and the definitions contained within to fully understand this opportunity. All U.S. agricultural commodities, except tobacco, are eligible for consideration.

Program OverviewThe Food for Progress Program (FFPr) assists developing and emerging countriesstrengthen their agricultural sectors. U.S. agricultural commodities are provided toeligible entities as part of the agreement awards, which are then monetized inlocal and/or regional markets. These proceeds are used to implement agricultural,economic development projects.Program ObjectivesThe FFPr program has two principal objectives:To improve agricultural productivity; andTo expand trade of agricultural products.Program PrioritiesThe program funding priorities of this NOFO are to support active FFPragreements through a limited competitive process with current year commodityfunds. Freight funds are not available under this Limited Merit Based NOFO.Applicants would only be able to utilize remaining freight funds in their existingaward.