USDA Emerging Markets Program (EMP) – FY 2027 Funding Overview

Program Overview

The USDA Emerging Markets Program (EMP) provides funding to support the development, maintenance, and expansion of export markets for U.S. agricultural commodities in emerging economies around the world.

Administered by the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS), the E (Kika) de la Garza Emerging Markets Program helps strengthen agricultural trade relationships by promoting cooperation, technical assistance, and knowledge exchange between U.S. agricultural organizations and partners in emerging markets.

The program is designed to improve food and rural business systems while creating new opportunities for U.S. agricultural exports.

Why the Emerging Markets Program Matters

Many emerging economies offer significant opportunities for long-term agricultural export growth, but market development often requires technical assistance, training, institutional support, and stronger business relationships.

The EMP program helps address these challenges by supporting activities that improve agricultural systems, reduce trade barriers, and strengthen market infrastructure.

The program supports efforts to:

• Expand export opportunities for U.S. agricultural products
• Improve food and rural business systems
• Transfer technical knowledge and expertise
• Strengthen international agricultural partnerships
• Support long-term market development
• Reduce barriers to trade

Eligible Commodities and Markets

All U.S. agricultural commodities except tobacco are eligible under the program.

Processed products containing at least 50 percent U.S.-origin agricultural content by weight are also eligible.

Applications may promote no more than three commodities.

Eligible markets are limited to countries classified by the World Bank as low-income or middle-income economies. High-income countries are not eligible under the program.

Eligible Project Categories

All applications must fall within at least one of four approved categories:

• Market Assessments
• Subsistence and Travel to Emerging Markets
• Subsistence and Travel to the United States
• Technical Training

Projects are intended to improve agricultural systems, identify opportunities for market development, facilitate knowledge transfer, and support implementation of recommended improvements.

Cost Share Requirements

Cost share is required for most applicants.

• Federal, State, and Local Government agencies are exempt
• All other applicants must provide at least 10 percent cost share

Cost share may be provided through cash contributions or eligible in-kind support.

Eligible Applicants

Eligible applicants include:

• Federal, State, and Local Government agencies
• Nonprofit trade associations
• Colleges and universities
• Agricultural cooperatives
• State Regional Trade Groups
• Private companies

Foreign organizations may participate as partners or subrecipients but cannot serve as the primary funding recipient.

Funding Details

• Total Funding Available: Up to $8 million
• Maximum Award Size: $500,000
• Question Deadline: July 31, 2026
• Tranche I Deadline: August 14, 2026
• Additional Deadlines: December 31, 2026; March 31, 2027; June 30, 2027

How LEC Partners Supports Agricultural Market Development

Organizations pursuing international market opportunities often face challenges related to market selection, trade barriers, commercialization planning, supply chain readiness, and long-term implementation.

LEC Partners supports agricultural, bioeconomy, renewable fuels, industrial biotechnology, and biobased product organizations with implementation-focused technical and commercial advisory services.

• Market and trade analysis
• Commercial due diligence
• Supply chain evaluations
• Export market assessments
• Commercialization strategy
• Project planning and implementation support

Our network of more than 150 experts helps organizations evaluate opportunities, reduce risk, and support sustainable growth in domestic and international markets.

Questions We Often Get About USDA EMP Funding