December 24, 1997

Beginning with the 1998 Market Access Program (MAP), only cooperatives and small-sized U.S. companies, as defined by the Small Business Administration (SBA), will be eligible to receive reimbursement under the MAP for brand promotions. All small-sized U.S. companies (excluding cooperatives) seeking promotional assistance must certify, in writing, that they meet the SBA size standards. A sample certification statement will be included in the 1998 application handbook.

To ensure compliance with this policy, each MAP participant will be responsible for verifying the size certification of any company prior to approving the company's application and marketing plan. If a company receives reimbursement for eligible promotional expenses based on an incorrect size certification, the MAP participant will be required to repay CCC the total amount disbursed to the company.

The current SBA regulations concerning small business size standards (13 CFR part 121) are available at the following Internet address: www.sba.gov/regulations/121ind.html. Questions concerning these standards should be directed to the SBA staff at (202) 205-6618.