Modern agricultural biotechnology such as genome editing is a revolutionary tool that could transform the sustainability and viability of the agriculture sector. American farmers rely on agricultural biotechnology products, with over 90% of corn and soybeans derived from these technologies. In 2025, American farmers exported over $51 billion in agricultural biotechnology products worldwide. However, the biotechnology policies of many trading partners in Europe, Africa, Western Hemisphere (Latin America), and Asia limit the trading potential for American agricultural biotechnology products. Additionally, many trading partners lack regulatory frameworks for the development, commercialization, and trade of animal biotechnology products, which limits U.S. innovation and economic development. The absence of a trade-facilitative system slows the potential of these innovative products which are already in active development.

This NOFO is intended to support activities that promote the America First policy agenda by expanding market access for U.S. agricultural products derived from biotechnology through the removal of barriers to the adoption, use, and trade of these products. Targeted engagement with trading partners and relevant stakeholders is critical to U.S. agricultural exports, and this funding opportunity supports efforts to protect and expand American agricultural production and trade.

The recipient of this award will collaborate with USDA/FAS in the design and implementation of in-person and/or virtual seminars, workshops, and collaborative training events in Africa, Asia, Western Hemisphere/Latin America/Americas and other relevant economic bodies and organizations such as the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), Association of Southeast Asian Nations, the African Union, the European Union, and others. These activities seek to support high level policy dialogue on agricultural biotechnology. USDA/FAS will work with the recipient on the selection of workshop venues, and the selection of participants to include country/government officials, scientists, key speakers and stakeholders. In addition, USDA/FAS and the recipient will collaboratively identify methods to evaluate the participants’ increase in knowledge on biotechnology topics.

Miscellaneous

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