[USDA Foreign Agricultural Service](https://www.fas.usda.gov/)

September 19, 2025

$15,000–$75,000 per award | ~$2.5M total funding | ~20 awards expected

Supports U.S. entities in providing samples of U.S. agricultural commodities to potential foreign importers to develop and expand export markets.

Reimbursement only for sample purchase and transport to first foreign port; no indirect or technical assistance costs covered.

--- ## Description The USDA Foreign Agricultural Service's Quality Samples Program (QSP) is designed to encourage the development and expansion of export markets for U.S. agricultural commodities. The program assists eligible U.S. organizations in providing commodity samples to potential foreign importers, aiming to promote a better understanding and appreciation of the high quality of U.S. agricultural products. Recipients are responsible for procuring, exporting, and providing on-site technical assistance for the use of these samples, though only the costs of the samples and their transport to the first foreign port are reimbursable. --- ## Due Dates - Application deadline: September 19, 2025 --- ## Funding Amount - Award range: $15,000–$75,000 per project - Estimated total program funding: $2,500,000 - Expected number of awards: ~20 - Cost sharing or matching is required --- ## Eligibility - Eligible applicants: U.S. entities (see Section 2 of the official funding announcement for full eligibility details) - Typical applicants include U.S. agricultural trade organizations, cooperatives, non-profits, and state agencies - Individuals are not eligible --- ## Application Process - Applications must be submitted via [Grants.gov](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/360063) - Review the full funding opportunity announcement for detailed instructions and required documentation - Only costs for commodity samples and transportation to the first foreign port are reimbursable; indirect costs, technical assistance, and other expenses are not covered - Reimbursement is provided; no cash advances --- ## Additional Information - Air cargo shipments are not permitted under this program - At least 50% of reimbursed cargo must be shipped on U.S. flag vessels (see [U.S. Maritime Administration](https://www.maritime.dot.gov) for more information) - Recipients must provide on-site technical assistance to foreign importers, but these costs are not reimbursable - All exports are subject to U.S. cargo preference requirements --- ## External Links - [Program Opportunity on Grants.gov](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/360063) - [USDA Foreign Agricultural Service – QSP Program Page](https://www.fas.usda.gov/programs/quality-samples-program-qsp) - [U.S. Maritime Administration Cargo Preference](https://www.maritime.dot.gov) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Email | Phone | Hours (EDT) | |-----------|----------------------|--------------------|------------------------------| | Curt Alt | curt.alt@usda.gov | (202) 690-4784 | Mon–Fri, 7:30am–4:00pm | | Grants.gov Applicant Support | support@grants.gov | 1-800-518-4726 | Standard business hours |

2026 Quality Samples Program

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