The U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) is now accepting applications from U....

The U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) is now accepting applications from U.S. companies interested in receiving matching funds to promote branded U.S. meat products in international markets. For purposes of this application, eligible companies must have 500 or fewer employees, or be a producer cooperative or association.  Allocations to private companies will be based on the expected effectiveness of the proposed activities and adherence to USDA Foreign Agriculture Service regulations governing the program.  Proposals received by June 15th will receive priority for funding, and promotions funded under this program may be conducted between July 1, 2002 and  June 30, 2003.  The deadline for submission of proposals is June 15, 2002, although applications will be accepted as long as funds are available.

Companies that receive funding from USMEF will be charged a 5 percent administrative fee for participation in the program.  This administrative fee is based upon the total amount of award received through USMEF.  The fee is non-refundable and is not prorated if the company does not spend the full level of its award.  USMEF also requires a $100 submittal fee to accompany the company's request for funding.  These funds will be applied toward the 5 percent fee.  If the submittal fee exceeds the 5 percent administrative fee, or if the company does not receive funding, the excess funds will be returned to the company.  The funds are not refundable if the company does not complete the contracting process.

Companies interested in the program should contact Barbara Watson at USMEF’s Denver office for guidelines and proposal format.  The address is:

U.S. Meat Export Federation
Independence Plaza
1050 17th St., Suite 2200
Denver, CO  80265
Telephone:  (303) 623-MEAT
Fax:  (303) 623-0297
e-mail:  bwatson@usmef.org

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 --