Simpler Grants.gov #USDA-FAS-10621-0750-106-27-0001

USDA Foreign Agricultural Service seeks development of low-oxygen storage and packaging systems for U.S. tree nuts with phytosanitary traceability.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Foreign Agricultural Service (USDA/FAS) is seeking proposals for a cooperative agreement to advance export market access for U.S. tree nuts through innovative low-oxygen storage and packaging systems. - Government Buyer: - United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) - Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) - Scope of Work: - Develop, verify, and implement low-oxygen storage and packaging systems for U.S. tree nuts - Focus on phytosanitary validation and traceability to meet international export requirements - Collaborate with commercial low-oxygen technology providers and USDA agencies - Create non-invasive, verifiable, and traceable technologies to maintain and certify low-oxygen conditions (<1% oxygen) in packaging - Develop digital mapping and official record-keeping for oxygen content and seal integrity during packing and storage - Coordinate with industry experts and manage subawards - Products/Services Requested: - Research, development, and implementation of low-oxygen storage and packaging systems - Verification processes for bulk and retail packaging - Notable Requirements: - Solutions must be cost-effective, universally applicable, and verifiable for phytosanitary and maximum residue limit compliance - Eligible applicants include U.S. academic institutions, state governments, nonprofits, trade associations, agricultural cooperatives, international organizations, foreign entities, and private sector businesses - Registration in SAM.gov is required - Project duration up to 5 years; anticipated federal funding up to $2,000,000 - No specific OEMs or vendors are named; applicants must collaborate with commercial technology providers

Description

This funding opportunity from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Foreign Agricultural Service aims to support the Assisting Specialty Crop Exports Initiative by developing processes and technologies for phytosanitary validation and traceability of low-oxygen storage and packaging systems for U.S. tree nuts. The initiative addresses barriers such as insect presence and pesticide residues that affect U.S. horticultural exports, focusing on cost-effective post-harvest pest control and quality maintenance during storage and export. The program seeks to enhance market access in key export markets by providing tools that meet phytosanitary and maximum residue limit requirements while maintaining product quality. Eligible applicants include a wide range of U.S. and international entities, and the award is contingent on funding availability.

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