WASHINGTON, DC — August 31, 2004 — Food Marketing Institute (FMI) announced today that it has been awarded two grants from the U.S. Department of Agriculture for global trade-building projects. The funds are part of USDA’s 2004 Emerging Markets Program.
     

Totaling nearly $183,000, the grants awarded to FMI will be used for food retail education and training programs.
     

“FMI is honored to have USDA’s endorsement of our efforts to expand food retail instruction to emerging markets around the world,” stated Libby Martin, FMI director, international membership. “The comprehensive training afforded by this program is integral to fostering growth in U.S. agricultural exports to developing countries.”
     

First authorized by the 1990 Farm Bill, the Emerging Markets Program supports the promotion and distribution of U.S. agricultural products, trade missions, and research on new markets, and it encourages free trade policies. It also sponsors seminars and training so potential buyers in emerging economies can profitably use U.S. agricultural goods.
     

All applications undergo a competitive review process. Qualification requirements include cost sharing and justification for federal funding. Other review factors include the quality of the proposal, likely success of intended approach in target markets, and knowledge of the market and of similar activities in the region.
     

According to USDA, the 2004 Emerging Markets Program will provide more than $10 million in funding for 86 trade-building projects worldwide.