2027 Quality Samples Program

The Quality Samples Program is administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture through the Foreign Agricultural Service. The program is designed to support the expansion and development of export markets for U.S. agricultural commodities. It does so by enabling eligible U.S. entities to provide samples of their commodities to potential foreign importers. The intent is to demonstrate product quality and build demand by allowing foreign buyers to evaluate U.S. goods firsthand. This aligns with the broader mission of the Foreign Agricultural Service to strengthen global markets for U.S. agricultural products and improve trade opportunities for domestic producers. The primary objective of the program is to enhance export opportunities by encouraging foreign importers to test and become familiar with U.S. agricultural commodities. By providing samples, applicants can help reduce uncertainty among foreign buyers and promote confidence in the quality and consistency of U.S. products. The program focuses on activities that directly contribute to market development, particularly where samples are necessary to overcome trade barriers or establish new commercial relationships. Funding supports the procurement and shipment of commodities used as samples rather than broader marketing or promotional campaigns. Eligible uses of funds are centered on the purchase and transportation of commodity samples to foreign markets. These samples must be used strictly for demonstration and evaluation purposes and not for resale or general consumption. The program does not support unrelated marketing expenses, infrastructure development, or operational costs beyond those directly tied to the sample distribution process. Applicants must ensure compliance with all applicable federal requirements and demonstrate that the proposed use of funds aligns with the program’s export promotion goals. The program requires cost sharing or matching contributions, indicating that applicants must provide a portion of the project funding from non-federal sources. While the exact matching ratio is not specified in the provided summary, the presence of a matching requirement means applicants must be prepared to document and commit additional financial or in-kind resources. This requirement reinforces the expectation that applicants have a vested interest in the success of their export development activities. Eligibility is broad but specific to entities with a demonstrated role in exporting U.S. agricultural commodities. Applicants may include private organizations such as nonprofit trade associations, agricultural cooperatives, universities, and for-profit companies, as well as government entities at the federal, state, or local level. However, Foreign Agricultural Service overseas posts are excluded. All applicants must maintain an active registration in the System for Award Management prior to submission, and failure to meet this requirement results in automatic ineligibility with no exceptions. Applications must be submitted by the stated deadline through the appropriate federal grant submission channels. The current opportunity closes on August 14, 2026. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that all required registrations and documentation are complete prior to submission. The program anticipates approximately 20 awards with a total funding pool of $2,500,000. While specific award sizes are not detailed, funding will be distributed competitively based on how well proposals align with program goals. The program appears to operate on a recurring basis, as indicated by the inclusion of a program year in the title and typical federal grant cycles. Contact information is provided for applicants needing assistance, including a named representative, email address, and phone number. Applicants are encouraged to reach out if they encounter technical issues accessing the announcement. Overall, the program serves as a targeted export promotion tool, leveraging product sampling to build international demand for U.S. agricultural goods.