The "2025 Technical Assistance for Specialty Crops Program" (USDA-FAS-TASC-2025) is a grant offered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Foreign Agricultural Service. This program supports projects aimed at removing, resolving, or mitigating sanitary, phytosanitary, or technical barriers that restrict or threaten the export of U.S. specialty crops, which include fruits, vegetables, nuts, and other horticultural products. The goal is to facilitate market access and maintain or expand export opportunities for these crops.
The program has an estimated total funding of $9 million, with individual awards capped at $500,000. There is no cost-sharing requirement, allowing applicants to access full funding for eligible projects. The grant features multiple application deadlines: June 14, 2024, December 31, 2024, March 31, 2025, and a final deadline of June 30, 2025. Applications submitted after this final date will not be considered.
Eligible applicants include U.S. entities such as trade organizations, state and regional agricultural groups, non-profits, and private companies. Eligibility details can be found in Section C of the funding opportunity announcement. The program aims to support initiatives that address export barriers through technical assistance, research, or capacity-building activities.
Applicants should focus on projects that will effectively address issues impacting the export of U.S. specialty crops, such as compliance with foreign regulatory requirements, pest and disease concerns, or technical standards. Proposals will be evaluated based on their potential to enhance market access and mitigate risks to U.S. exports.
