At a glance
USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service is funding the Quality Samples Program to help U.S. entities send commodity samples to foreign importers to promote U.S. agricultural commodities. Eligible applicants are U.S. private or government entities, including nonprofit trade associations, universities, agricultural cooperatives, state regional trade groups, and for-profit entities; federal, state, and local agencies may also apply, but FAS Posts may not. The program has up to $2.5 million in FY 2027 funding and expects 20 awards, with per-project reimbursement capped at $75,000 for projects with further processing or substantial transformation and $15,000 for technical demonstration seminars only. Cost share is required for all applicants except federal government entities, and non-federal applicants must provide at least 10 percent of the requested funds in cash or in-kind contributions. Projects may target any foreign market not restricted by U.S. law, regulation, or sanctions, and eligible commodities must be produced entirely in the U.S. except tobacco.
What it funds
Official description from grants.gov
The QSP is designed to encourage the development and expansion of export markets for U.S. agricultural commodities by assisting U.S. entities in providing commodity samples to potential foreign importers to promote a better understanding and appreciation for the high quality of U.S. agricultural commodities.
Who can apply
- Others