The USDA Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) has announced a funding opportunity to support U.S. olive oil producers in gathering critical data to meet international standards set by the Codex Alimentarius. This project, under the Assisting Specialty Crop Exports (ASCE) initiative, aims to collect, test, and submit representative data on U.S. olive oil quality parameters, specifically pyropheophytin (PPP) and 1,2-diglycerides (DAGs). These metrics are essential for the Codex Committee on Fats and Oils (CCFO) to update the international olive oil standard to include U.S.-specific conditions. This will help facilitate U.S. olive oil producers' access to international markets by ensuring their products meet recognized international standards. With an initial award of up to $1 million, funding may extend to a total of $2.2 million, based on project needs, over a four-year period.

Eligible applicants include U.S.-based colleges and universities, state governments, nonprofit organizations, international organizations, and other entities. All applicants must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) with active, non-expired credentials at the time of submission. The application requires detailed documentation and compliance with submission instructions outlined by USDA/FAS to qualify for review.

The program description specifies that applicants will engage in three primary tasks: 1) collecting olive oil samples from seven U.S. olive oil-producing states over three consecutive harvest years, 2) testing these samples for several quality parameters using Codex-endorsed methods, and 3) recording, analyzing, and submitting data to USDA/FAS in compliance with Codex requirements. The project will require a diverse sampling of olive oils across different geographic regions and adhere to rigorous testing and data recording schedules. These samples will undergo regular testing intervals from the initial collection (T=0) to 24 months post-collection, ensuring that data reflects the changes in oil quality over time.

Applications are to be submitted through the USDA ezFedGrants system by January 13, 2025. A comprehensive application must include the Standard Form SF-424, a detailed budget narrative covering up to $2.2 million over four years, and a project narrative with clear strategies for sample collection, testing, data analysis, and submission. Applicants should demonstrate technical expertise, familiarity with olive oil testing, and capacity for data collection and management aligned with Codex standards.

The review process will evaluate applications based on five main criteria: technical approach and feasibility, applicant's technical expertise, programmatic capability and past performance, document quality, and cost-effectiveness. Applicants must also submit a list of similar federally funded projects completed within the last three years to demonstrate their programmatic capability.

Successful applicants will be notified via email and expected to comply with semi-annual financial and performance reporting. All reports, including a final report, must be submitted through ezFedGrants. USDA/FAS will conduct site visits and other evaluations to monitor compliance and project progress. For additional information, contact Angel Gonzalez at USDA/FAS.

This funding opportunity represents a significant initiative to enhance U.S. olive oil producers' competitiveness by aligning product standards with international expectations.