2027 Emerging Markets Program

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), through its Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS), administers the Emerging Markets Program (EMP), which is designed to support the development, expansion, and maintenance of export markets for United States agricultural commodities. This program operates under statutory authority from the Agricultural Trade Act and focuses on strengthening trade relationships between the United States and countries classified as low- or middle-income economies. The program emphasizes collaboration between U.S. agricultural institutions, agribusinesses, and emerging market partners to improve food and rural business systems while addressing trade barriers and market inefficiencies. The EMP provides grant funding to support a range of activities that enhance agricultural trade opportunities. These include conducting market assessments, facilitating technical assistance, enabling travel and knowledge exchange between U.S. experts and emerging market stakeholders, and implementing training initiatives. Funded projects are expected to generate actionable insights, improve agricultural systems abroad, and create sustainable export opportunities for U.S. producers. Funding may not exceed $500,000 per award, and the total anticipated program funding is up to $8 million, with approximately 40 awards expected. Eligible applicants include a wide array of U.S.-based entities such as federal, state, and local government agencies, nonprofit trade associations, colleges and universities, agricultural cooperatives, and private companies with a demonstrated interest in agricultural exports. While foreign organizations may participate as partners or subrecipients, they are not eligible to apply directly. Applicants must also meet specific eligibility criteria, including focusing on no more than three commodities and targeting no more than four eligible countries classified as low- or middle-income by the World Bank. Additionally, non-government applicants must provide a minimum 10 percent cost share, which can be in cash or in-kind contributions. Applications must be submitted electronically through the Unified Export Strategy (UES) system and must include detailed organizational information, market analysis, project plans, performance measures, and a comprehensive budget. Applicants are required to clearly define how their proposed activities will address trade barriers, benefit the broader U.S. agricultural sector, and contribute to measurable outcomes in the target markets. Supporting documentation such as indirect cost agreements and past performance information may also be required depending on the applicant’s history and funding request size. The application process includes multiple submission deadlines. The initial deadline is August 14, 2026, with additional rolling tranche deadlines on December 31, 2026, March 31, 2027, and June 30, 2027, after which no further applications will be accepted. Applications are reviewed in phases, beginning with an eligibility screening followed by a competitive evaluation based on activity appropriateness, market impact, and overall feasibility. Projects are scored and ranked, and funding is allocated until available resources are exhausted. Successful applicants will enter into grant agreements with USDA/FAS and are responsible for implementing their projects with limited federal involvement, while adhering to reporting and compliance requirements. Recipients must submit periodic performance and financial reports and maintain records for at least three years after project completion. USDA/FAS retains oversight authority, including the ability to conduct site visits and evaluations. For inquiries, applicants may contact Curt Alt at curt.alt@usda.gov or (202) 690-4784 during standard business hours.

Focus on strong market impact and clear trade barrier solutions; align activities with measurable outcomes; demonstrate sector-wide benefits