Emerging Markets Program

EMP
CFDA 10.603 Active Grant
No open Grants.gov opportunities under this program right now. Browse all Department of Agriculture programs →  ·  All grants from Foreign Agricultural Service →

Program Funding

Annual program obligations reported to SAM.gov.

Latest annual funding (estimated)
$8M FY2026
$8M
FY24
$8M
FY25
$8M
FY26*
* estimated

Who has received this funding

Organizations awarded under CFDA 10.603 (USAspending.gov).

  • Redacted Due To Pii 10 awards $1,243,109

Funded Projects

Examples of what this program has supported.

FY2025 In FY2025, USDA received 55 applications for the EMP program and issued 22 awards totaling $5 million.
FY2026 In FY2026, USDA expects to receive 60 applications for the EMP program and issue 25 awards totaling $8 million.
FY2027 In FY2027, USDA expects to receive 60 applications for the EMP program and issue 25 awards totaling $8 million.

Program Objective

The primary objective of the Emerging Markets Program is to promote, enhance, or expand the exports of U.S. agricultural commodities to overseas emerging markets through cost-share assistance to eligible organizations that implement activities aimed at enhancing the food and rural business systems of eligible emerging markets.

Eligibility

Eligible Applicants

  • Unrestricted by Entity Type

Applicants must be a: (1) U. S. agricultural or agribusiness organization -- nonprofit, trade association, university, consultant group (under certain conditions), (2) State Department of Agriculture, (3) USDA agency (or other Federal agency involved in agricultural issues), or (4) commercial entities.

Beneficiaries

  • Specific Restrictions (Determined at NOFO Level)

All EMP projects must fall into at least one of the following four categories:
(a) Market Assessments: Assistance to teams (consisting primarily of agricultural consultants, agricultural producers, other persons from the private sector, and government officials expert in assessing the food and rural business systems of other countries) to enable those teams to make assessments of the food and rural business systems needs of the target market. This type of EMP project must accomplish all three of the following elements:
1. Conduct an assessment of the food and rural business system needs of an emerging market;
2. Make recommendations on measures necessary to enhance the effectiveness of those systems, including potential reductions in trade barriers; and
3. Identify opportunities and projects to enhance the effectiveness of the emerging market’s food and rural business systems.

(b) Subsistence Travel to Emerging Markets: Assistance to enable United States food and rural business system experts, including United States agricultural producers and other United States individuals knowledgeable in agricultural and agribusiness matters, to assist in transferring knowledge and expertise to entities from emerging markets.

(c) Subsistence Travel to the United States: Assistance to enable individuals designated by emerging markets to consult with such United States experts to enhance the food and rural business systems of such emerging markets and to transfer knowledge and expertise to such emerging markets.

(d) Technical Training: Technical assistance to enable individuals or other entities to carry out recommendations, projects, and opportunities in emerging markets.

Proposals that do not fall into one or more of the four categories above, regardless of previous guidance provided regarding the EMP, are not eligible for consideration under the program.

How to Apply

Award Procedure

Proposals are evaluated by FAS, which rates the qualifications of applicants and determines an appropriate level of funding.

Decision Timeline

  • Approval: From 90 to 120 days
  • Renewal interval: From 30 to 60 days
Program details & compliance

Description

The EMP is established to develop,
maintain, or expand markets for exports of United States agricultural commodities and to
promote cooperation and exchange of information between agricultural institutions and
agribusinesses in the United States and emerging markets. The EMP assists U.S. entities in
developing, maintaining, or expanding exports of U.S. agricultural commodities and products by
funding activities that enhance emerging markets’ food and rural business systems, including
reducing trade barriers. The EMP is intended primarily to support export market development
efforts of the private sector, but EMP resources may also be used to assist public organizations.
The EMP is administered by personnel of the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) on behalf of
the Commodity Credit Corporation.

Mission Categories

Primary: Marketing Opportunities

Use of Funds

Allowed Uses

Emerging Markets Program funds are authorized through project agreements that serve as binding instruments and create a legal obligation on the part of the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) to make appropriated funds available to the participant. The agreement creates a cooperative relationship between CCC and the implementor with each side contributing resources to support achievement of mutual goals. Program funds help finance activities such as feasibility studies, market research, sectorial assessments, orientation visits, specialized training, and business workshops. The Program is not intended for projects targeted at end-user consumers. Ineligible activities include in-store promotions, restaurant promotions, branded product promotions, administrative and operational expenses for trade shows and advertising, except in connection with specific technical assistance activities such as training seminars.

Required Documentation

All eligible applicants must submit a written proposal in accordance with the guidelines set forth each year in the Federal Register.

Matching Requirements

Cost share requirements are detailed in the NOFO.

Reporting & Compliance

Records Retention
3 years

Applicable 2 CFR 200 Subparts

  • Subpart B — General Provisions
  • Subpart C — Pre-Federal Award Requirements
  • Subpart D — Post-Federal Award Requirements
  • Subpart E — Cost Principles
  • Subpart F — Audit Requirements

Contacts

Curt Alt — Program Manager
2026904784
1400 Independence Ave, SW , Washington, DC 20250
Data from SAM.gov Federal Assistance Listings. Source published: 2026-02-04. Spec v2.0. Last synced: 2026-05-29 05:35:59.