Assisting Specialty Crop Exports: Regional Alignment of Pesticide Regulatory Systems and Trade Facilitative MRLs | USDA FAS 10621 0750 10 24 0004

FAQs: USDA/FAS Assisting Specialty Crop Exports (ASCE) Initiative - Trade and Regulatory Capacity Building

1) What is this funding opportunity?

This is a discretionary funding opportunity from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS), Trade and Regulatory Capacity Building office, offered under the Assisting Specialty Crop Exports (ASCE) Initiative.

2) What is the main goal of the ASCE Initiative funding described here?

The main goal is to reduce regulatory barriers that limit exports of U.S. specialty crops by helping partner countries strengthen and better align pesticide regulatory systems, especially systems related to maximum residue limits (MRLs).

3) What problem is USDA/FAS trying to address through this program?

The program targets residue-related market access barriers, including mismatched, inconsistent, or less predictable MRL requirements abroad that can disrupt exports of U.S. specialty crops even when pesticides are used according to label directions and supported by risk assessments.

4) What are maximum residue limits (MRLs) in the context of this opportunity?

MRLs are pesticide residue limits used in food and agricultural trade. This opportunity focuses on helping partner countries set and update MRLs using science-based, risk-based approaches aligned with Codex standards and/or the U.S. regulatory system.

5) What types of U.S. products is this initiative intended to support?

It is intended to support U.S. specialty crops, including fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, and other specialty crop products, by improving export access and competitiveness in international markets.

6) What kind of award will USDA/FAS make (grant vs. cooperative agreement)?

Funding will be provided through cooperative agreements. This means awardees should expect an active partnership with USDA/FAS rather than a hands-off grant relationship.

7) How is the opportunity structured?

The opportunity is organized into three separate regional tracks (Asia; Latin America and the Caribbean; and Africa), with an expectation of three total awards.

8) How many awards does USDA/FAS expect to make under this opportunity?

The program anticipates making three awards total.

9) What is the maximum funding amount available?

The listed award ceiling is $10,000,000.

10) What is the central technical theme shared across all tracks?

Across all tracks, the work emphasizes advancing risk-based pesticide regulation and MRL-setting approaches consistent with Codex standards and/or the U.S. regulatory system, and countering hazard-based regulatory policies and practices that can function as trade barriers.

11) What does the opportunity mean by "risk-based" approaches?

Within the description provided, "risk-based" refers to regulatory decisions grounded in risk assessment and science-based evaluation, rather than relying on hazard-only decision making that can lead to stricter or unpredictable requirements.

12) What does the opportunity mean by "hazard-based" policies and why are they a concern here?

Hazard-based policies are described as approaches that can result in stricter or less predictable residue requirements, potentially creating trade barriers. The opportunity explicitly emphasizes countering these approaches in favor of risk-based systems.

13) What is Track 1 and what region does it cover?

Track 1 focuses on Asia and is aimed at harmonizing MRL systems across the region.

14) What kinds of activities are expected under Track 1 (Asia)?

Track 1 projects are expected to support adoption and implementation of risk-based pesticide regulatory systems and MRL setting aligned with Codex and/or U.S. approaches, promote regional consistency and transparency in MRL establishment and updates, and reduce mismatched MRLs that disrupt shipments or force exporters to meet conflicting standards.

15) What is Track 2 and what region does it cover?

Track 2 focuses on Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) and emphasizes bilateral and/or regional technical assistance delivered through partner countries and regional economic communities.

16) Which regional groupings are specifically referenced for Track 2?

The announcement references the Central American Regional Economic Community, the Andean Community (CAN), MERCOSUR, and CARICOM.

17) What kinds of outcomes is Track 2 (LAC) aiming for?

Track 2 aims to strengthen regulatory capacity and encourage regional alignment so pesticide registration decisions and MRL frameworks support safe trade and do not unnecessarily fragment markets. The description highlights regulatory cooperation, improved MRL-setting processes, and use of internationally recognized scientific methods and data.

18) What is Track 3 and what region does it cover?

Track 3 targets Africa and focuses on building capacity in pesticide registration and MRL setting.

19) What standards or frameworks are emphasized under Track 3 (Africa)?

Track 3 emphasizes risk-based pesticide regulatory systems and MRL policies consistent with Codex and/or U.S. systems and grounded in the World Trade Organization (WTO) Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Agreement.

20) What is the role of the WTO SPS Agreement in this opportunity (as described)?

As described, the WTO SPS Agreement is a foundation for predictable, science-based decisions that protect consumers while also facilitating trade, and it is specifically referenced under Track 3 for Africa.

21) Is the opportunity focused on technical training and hands-on assistance, or only policy work?

Based on the description, successful projects are expected to include practical regulatory improvements, technical training and assistance, and policy alignment that leads to more consistent MRL setting and pesticide regulatory decisions.

22) What is the opportunity number?

The opportunity number is USDA FAS 10621 0750 10 24 0004.

23) What is the CFDA/Assistance Listing number?

The CFDA (Assistance Listing) number is 10.621.

24) What is the application deadline?

The original application closing date is July 29, 2024.

25) When was this opportunity created?

The opportunity was created on May 17, 2024.

26) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is broadly categorized as "Others." The full eligibility requirements are referenced in Section C of the funding opportunity announcement, so applicants should consult Section C to confirm eligibility and any track- or project-specific limitations.

27) Where should applicants look to confirm detailed eligibility requirements?

Applicants should consult Section C of the funding opportunity announcement for full eligibility requirements and any specific limitations.

28) What does success look like for projects funded under this opportunity?

Based on the description, success is tied to measurable regulatory improvements and alignment that make MRL systems more science-based, predictable, transparent, and consistent with Codex and/or U.S. approaches, thereby preventing or reducing residue-related barriers to U.S. specialty crop exports.

29) Is the intent limited to current markets, or does it also include emerging markets?

The description states the program is designed to make it easier for U.S. specialty crops to access and compete in current and emerging international markets.

30) Does the opportunity emphasize regional harmonization or country-by-country work?

Both elements appear in the description. Track 1 explicitly emphasizes regional harmonization in Asia, Track 2 emphasizes bilateral and/or regional technical assistance in LAC through regional communities, and Track 3 emphasizes capacity-building in Africa, with a focus on systems and policies aligned with Codex/U.S. approaches and WTO SPS principles.