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The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) has announced its Foreign Market Development (FMD) Program (also known as the Cooperator Program) – with a total funding availability of $34.5 million—to help nonprofit U.S. agricultural trade organizations create, expand, and maintain long-term export markets for U.S. agricultural commodities. There is no funding limit; USDA expects to make approximately 20 awards, and applicants must match at least 50 percent of the federal cost share. Applications are due June 6, 2025.

What is the program’s purpose?

The FMD program focuses on generic promotion of U.S. commodities, rather than consumer-oriented promotion of branded products. Preference is given to organizations that represent an entire industry or are nationwide in membership and scope.

FMD-funded projects generally address long-term opportunities to reduce foreign import constraints or expand export growth opportunities. For example, this might include efforts to: 

• Reduce infrastructural or historical market impediments;
• Improve processing capabilities;
• Modify codes and standards; or
• Identify new markets or new uses for the agricultural commodity or product.

Who is eligible to apply?

Applicants must be a nonprofit U.S. agricultural trade organization that promotes the exports of one or more U.S. agricultural commodities and does not have a business interest in or receive remuneration from specific sales of agricultural commodities.

What types of activities will the FMD cover?

As described in the 7 CFR Part 1484. 52, reimbursable activities may include but are not limited to:

• Production and placement of advertising, including in print, electronic media, billboards, or posters;
• Production and distribution of banners, recipe cards, table tents, shelf talkers, and similar point of sale materials;
• Participation in trade shows and trade missions;
• Seminars and educational trainings;
• Travel to and from foreign markets
• Compensation and allowances for U.S. staff or contractors stationed overseas.

What are the funding amounts and match requirements?

USDA expects to award no less than $34.5 million in approximately 20 awards. Cost share of at least 50 percent is required of all applicants.

When are applications due?

The deadline to apply for the 2026 FMD is 5 p.m. Eastern Time, Friday, June 6, 2025.

The full Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) can be found here.

For more information on this grant or how to apply with Morrison’s assistance, please contact the Morrison Grants Team by email at grants@morrisonco.net or call us at 530-893-4764.