DENVER (May 1, 2001) – U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) is accepting app...

DENVER (May 1, 2001) – U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) is accepting applications from U.S. companies interested in receiving matching funds for promotional activities for branded U.S. red meat products in foreign markets.

For purposes of this application, eligible companies must have 500 or fewer employees.  Allocations to private companies will be based on the expected effectiveness of the proposed activities and adherence to USDA Foreign Agriculture Service regulations.  Proposals received by June 15th will receive priority for funding, and promotions funded under this program will run from July 1, 2001 (approximately) to June 30, 2002. 

Companies that receive funding from USMEF will be charged a nonrefundable 15 percent administrative fee, based upon the total award, for participation in the program.  A $500 submittal fee is required with a company’s request for funding to go toward the administrative fee.  If the submittal fee exceeds the 15 percent administrative fee, or if the company does not receive funding, the excess funds will be returned to the company; however, the funds are not refundable if the company does not complete the contracting process.

Companies interested in the program should contact Barbara Watson at: U.S. Meat Export Federation, Independence Plaza, 1050 17th St., Suite 2200, Denver, CO  80265. Or call (303) 623-MEAT or fax (303) 623-0297.

The U.S. Meat Export Federation is the trade association responsible for developing international markets for the U.S. red meat industry and is funded by USDA, exporting companies, and the beef, pork, corn, sorghum and soybean checkoff programs.

-- USMEF --