OPPORTUNITY:
The ASCE initiative is part of USDA’s commitment, under the Biden-Harris Administration, to create more new and better markets at home and abroad for U.S. producers and agribusinesses. The innovative partnership between USDA and the specialty crops sector will focus on projects to address the non-tariff trade barriers that hinder U.S. exports of fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, horticultural crops and related products.
DESCRIPTION:
The project opportunities for which USDA is accepting applications are:
- Sustainable Packaging Innovation Lab – to support research and implementation projects that advance U.S. specialty crop exports through innovative solutions to emerging overseas regulatory requirements for packaging and labeling.
- Maximum Residue Limit (MRL) Regional Harmonization – to address existing and potential trade needs in Asia, Latin America, and Africa related to MRLs for U.S. specialty crops entering these regions, while supporting development of risk-based and trade-facilitative policies that are consistent with international standards such as Codex.
- Import MRL Guideline Implementation in Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economies – to support establishment of import MRLs in key U.S. export markets through the adoption and implementation of official APEC MRL guidelines that facilitate trade and are consistent with international standards such as Codex.
- Data Generation for Codex and Harmonized MRL Setting – to reduce the number of missing and misaligned MRLs by supporting collaborative research and data generation capacity for the establishment of Codex MRLs.
- MRL Quick Reference Sheets for Specialty Crops – to develop a set of quick reference sheets for specialty crop exporters that include MRLs for the top foreign markets.
The projects will target such cross-cutting issues as:
- Addressing the implications of new and forthcoming regulations related to plastics and packaging for fresh produce and other specialty crop products.
- Helping U.S. exporters identify potential export markets and better understand the mechanics of exporting.
- Assisting U.S. exporters with navigating foreign standards, certifications, and import requirements, including maximum residue limits (MRLs) for pesticides used on specialty crops.
- Helping importing countries adopt international standards and harmonize import regulations in order to facilitate trade.
PARTNERS:
Trade organizations, non-governmental organizations, international organizations, businesses, educational institutions, and state and local government entities are among those who can apply to partner with FAS on ASCE projects. Throughout the implementation period, industry groups will be important collaborators in ensuring the needs of U.S. producers and other stakeholders are being addressed. Organizations selected to implement ASCE projects are expected to engage with FAS personnel and with the agricultural producers, trade groups, and/or state departments of agriculture representing the products affected.
MATCHING FUNDS:
None.
FUNDING AVAILABLE AND APPLICATION WINDOW:
- FUNDING AVAILABILITY: $20 million
- APPLICATION DEADLINE: July 29, 2024
