Deadline: 14-Aug-2026
The Emerging Markets Program (EMP) from the United States Department of Agriculture Foreign Agricultural Service supports projects that expand export opportunities for U.S. agricultural commodities in emerging markets. It funds market assessments, technical training, trade barrier reduction, and agricultural cooperation activities in eligible countries. The program provides up to $500,000 per award and promotes stronger food systems and agribusiness partnerships between the United States and low- and middle-income economies.
Overview
- The Emerging Markets Program (EMP) is a competitive grant program administered by the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service.
- It supports efforts to develop and strengthen agricultural markets in emerging economies.
- It promotes U.S. agricultural exports through technical assistance, research, and capacity-building activities.
- It is also known under the E (Kika) de la Garza Emerging Markets Program initiative.
Purpose of the Program
The program aims to:
- Expand export opportunities for U.S. agricultural commodities
- Strengthen food and rural business systems in emerging markets
- Improve agricultural trade environments and reduce barriers
- Facilitate knowledge transfer between the United States and partner countries
- Build long-term agribusiness partnerships
- Support market development and policy improvement in agriculture
Funding Details
- Total anticipated funding: Up to $8 million (subject to appropriations)
- Estimated number of awards: Approximately 40
- Maximum award size: $500,000 per project
- Cost share requirement: Minimum 10% (non-federal contribution)
Eligible cost share contributions
- Cash contributions
- In-kind contributions
Eligible Activities
The program funds a wide range of agricultural development activities, including:
- Market assessments and feasibility studies
- Identification of trade barriers affecting agricultural exports
- Technical training and capacity building programs
- Expert exchanges and knowledge transfer initiatives
- Study visits to and from the United States
- Development of food and rural business systems
- Agricultural cooperation programs
- Agribusiness partnership development
- Export market expansion activities
Eligible Commodities and Scope
- All U.S. agricultural commodities are eligible except tobacco
- Processed products are eligible if they contain:
- At least 50% U.S.-origin agricultural content by weight (excluding water)
- Project limitations:
- Maximum of 3 commodities per application
- Maximum of 4 target countries per project
- Eligible target countries:
- Must be classified as low- or middle-income economies by the World Bank
Who Is Eligible to Apply
Eligible applicants include U.S.-based entities such as:
- Nonprofit trade associations
- Colleges and universities
- Agricultural cooperatives
- State and regional trade groups
- Private companies
- U.S. government agencies
Participation of foreign entities
- Foreign organizations cannot receive direct funding
- They may participate as:
- Subrecipients
- In-kind partners
How the Program Works
Step 1: Identify market opportunity
- Select emerging market(s) based on eligibility
- Analyze agricultural trade potential
Step 2: Define project activities
- Choose activities such as:
- Market research
- Training programs
- Technical assistance
- Trade barrier analysis
Step 3: Develop partnerships
- Collaborate with U.S. and foreign agricultural stakeholders
- Include eligible subrecipients where necessary
Step 4: Prepare budget and cost share
- Develop detailed project budget
- Ensure at least 10% cost share requirement is met
Step 5: Submit application
- Submit proposal through USDA/FAS application process
- Include full technical and financial documentation
Step 6: Implementation and reporting
- Conduct approved activities
- Report outcomes and impacts on trade and market development
Evaluation Criteria (Typical Focus Areas)
Applications are generally evaluated based on:
- Potential to increase U.S. agricultural exports
- Strength of market development strategy
- Quality of partnerships and collaborations
- Feasibility and clarity of project design
- Impact on agricultural systems and trade barriers
- Sustainability of outcomes
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Targeting ineligible countries outside World Bank classification
- Exceeding limits on commodities or countries
- Weak justification for export impact
- Incomplete cost-share documentation
- Lack of clear market analysis
- Insufficient stakeholder engagement
- Poorly defined technical activities
Why This Program Matters
- Expands global demand for U.S. agricultural products
- Strengthens agricultural infrastructure in developing economies
- Improves food system efficiency and trade capacity
- Encourages international collaboration in agriculture
- Supports economic growth in emerging markets
- Builds long-term export relationships for U.S. producers
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the maximum funding per project?
- Up to $500,000 per award.
Who administers the program?
- The USDA Foreign Agricultural Service.
Who can apply?
- U.S.-based private, nonprofit, academic, cooperative, and government entities.
Can foreign organizations apply directly?
- No, but they may participate as partners or subrecipients.
What is the cost share requirement?
- At least 10% of the requested federal funding must come from non-federal sources.
Which commodities are eligible?
- All U.S. agricultural commodities except tobacco, including processed products with at least 50% U.S. content.
How many countries can be included in a project?
- Up to four eligible low- or middle-income countries per project.
Conclusion
The Emerging Markets Program from the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service supports strategic agricultural development projects that expand U.S. export opportunities while strengthening food and rural business systems in emerging economies. It enables technical cooperation, market development, and trade expansion through structured international partnerships.
For more information, visit Grants.gov.
