The Quality Samples
Program (QSP) helps U.S. agricultural trade organizations provide samples of
their agricultural products to potential importers in emerging markets
overseas.
Focusing on industry and manufacturing, as opposed to end-use consumers, it
permits potential customers to discover U.S. quality. It also allows
manufacturers overseas to do test runs to assess how U.S. food and fiber
products can best meet their production needs. In
2009,
USDA provided allocations totaling over $2.0 million to trade associations
and state agricultural organizations under this program.
How the program
benefits U.S. agriculture:
QSP stimulates interest and demand for U.S. agricultural products. The
better opportunities for agricultural exports ripple throughout the U.S.
economy.
How the program
works: Each
year, USDA announces an application period for participation in the QSP,
publishing it in the Federal Register. Trade organizations and
private firms can submit QSP proposals to USDA as part of the Unified Export
Strategy (UES).
QSP applications
undergo a competitive review process based on criteria specified in the
Federal Register announcement. Participants who are approved for QSP
funding obtain commodity samples, export them and provide the importer the
technical assistance necessary to use the sample properly. When a project is
finished, USDA reimburses the participants for the costs of procuring and
exporting the samples. The technical assistance component
is a
requirement of the program but is not reimbursable under the QSP.
Priority is given to
projects targeting developing nations or regions with a per capita income of
less than $10,725 and a population greater than one million. Priority is
also given to projects designed to expand exports where a U.S. commodity’s
market share is ten percent or less.
USDA’s Commodity
Credit Corporation (CCC) funds the program, which is authorized under the
CCC Charter Act.
What commodities
are covered:
USDA has approved QSP proposals to promote a wide variety of U.S.
commodities, including wheat, citrus, cranberries, mohair, hides, rice, and
soybeans. Many other commodities are eligible.
Where to get
information:
To submit a QSP proposal or to learn more about the program, contact the
USDA-FAS Programs Operations Division, Grant Programs Branch,
STOP
1052, 1400 Independence Ave., Washington, DC 20250-1052; Phone: (202)
720-4327, Fax: (202) 720-9361; E-mail: podadmin@fas.usda.gov
