The United States Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service (USDA/FAS) is offering funding through the 2026 Market Access Program (MAP), a competitive grant designed to expand and diversify export markets for U.S. agricultural commodities. This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) outlines the terms under which new MAP agreements will be awarded to eligible organizations, with anticipated federal funding of no less than $200 million. The goal is to develop, maintain, and increase the global presence of U.S. agricultural products through collaborative marketing and promotion strategies.

MAP seeks to support marketing initiatives that enhance the visibility and competitiveness of U.S. agricultural products in foreign markets. The program funds a variety of cost-shared promotional activities including brand and generic promotion, demonstration projects, trade shows, and more. Activities must align with MAP’s strategic goals and be documented through detailed marketing plans. Applicants must show how their efforts will contribute to measurable outcomes such as increased exports, market share, or the mitigation of export constraints.

MAP provides financial assistance to eligible organizations which include nonprofit U.S. agricultural trade organizations, State Regional Trade Groups (SRTGs), U.S. agricultural cooperatives, and state agencies. All applicants must be actively registered in SAM.gov. The program requires cost-sharing—10 percent for generic promotion activities and dollar-for-dollar for branded activities. Organizations may submit only one application, and awards will be issued as grant agreements with limited federal involvement beyond oversight.

Applicants must submit their applications via the USDA's Unified Export Strategy (UES) system by June 6, 2025, at 5:00 pm Eastern Time. Questions about the program must be submitted by May 30, 2025. Application packages must include a comprehensive marketing plan, detailed budget, projected performance metrics, prior results, and additional administrative details. Late or incomplete submissions will be deemed ineligible.

Applications are evaluated through a multi-phase review process involving eligibility screening, scoring by USDA/FAS reviewers, and a formulaic allocation process based on factors such as past performance, cost-share contributions, and export results. Priority is given to applicants with broad industry representation. Evaluation criteria cover strategic planning, program management, evaluation methodologies, and demonstrated impacts on exports.

Awards are expected to be announced after a final internal USDA/FAS review and approval process. Reporting and monitoring obligations include performance and financial reports, with specific requirements for those receiving awards exceeding $500,000. The program does not allow indirect costs and prohibits use of funds for lobbying, litigation, or other restricted activities. Successful applicants are also subject to conflict-of-interest disclosures and federal audit standards.