FEDERAL AGENCY:

FOREIGN AGRICULTURAL SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

AUTHORIZATION:

Food for Progress Act of 1985.

OBJECTIVES:

Agriculture commodities are provided to developing countries and emerging democracies committed to introducing and expanding free enterprise in the agricultural sector.

TYPES OF ASSISTANCE:

Project Grants. Place Cursor Here for Definition

USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS:

The following restrictions on commodity use and distribution apply: (a) The Cooperating Sponsor may use the commodities provided only in accordance with the terms of the Program Agreement. (b) Commodities shall not be distributed within the importing country on the basis of political affiliation, geographic location, or the ethnic, tribal or religious identity or affiliations of the potential consumers or recipients.(c) Commodities shall not be distributed, handled or allocated by military forces without specific CCC authorization. d) In the event that its participation in the program terminates, the non-government cooperating sponsor will safeguard any undistributed commodities and sales proceeds and dispose of such commodities and proceeds as directed by CCC.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

Applicant Eligibility:  
A Cooperating Sponsor may be either: (a) A foreign government; (b) An entity registered with the Agency for International Development (AID) in accordance with AID regulations; or (c) An entity that demonstrates to CCC's satisfaction: (1) Organizational experience and resources available to implement and manage the type of program proposed, i.e., targeted food assistance or sale of commodities for economic development activities; (2) Experience working in the targeted country; and (3) Experience and knowledge on the part of personnel who will be responsible for implementing and managing the program. CCC may require that an entity submit a financial statement demonstrating that it has the financial means to implement an effective donation program.

Beneficiary Eligibility:   A Cooperating Sponsor may be either: (a) A foreign government; (b) An entity registered with the Agency for International Development (AID) in accordance with AID regulations; or (c) An entity that demonstrates to CCC's satisfaction: (1) Organizational experience and resources available to implement and manage the type of program proposed, i.e., targeted food assistance or sale of commodities for economic development activities; (2) Experience working in the targeted country; and (3) Experience and knowledge on the part of personnel who will be responsible for implementing and managing the program. CCC may require that an entity submit a financial statement demonstrating that it has the financial means to implement an effective donation program.

Credentials/Documentation:   Organization's Capabilities to Implement the Program. The organization may provide concise information about its past food aid or development activities, its experience within the country where the program is proposed and any other relevant information to demonstrate its capability to implement the program in the country.

Pre-application Coordination:   Not applicable. This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372.

Application Procedure:   Each year FAS announces on it web site http://www.fas.usda.gov/ the invitation period for the Food for Progress program. Organizations apply for program funds by submitting a Plan of Operation required by 7 CFR 1499.5. Organizations may also submit supplemental information that summarizes the need for the program in the country and organizational capabilities to implement the program.

Award Procedure:   None.

Deadlines:   Application deadline is included in the announcement on the FAS website.

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time:    

Approximately 90 days.

Appeals:    

Not applicable.

Renewals:    

None.

ASSISTANCE CONSIDERATIONS:

Formula and Matching Requirements:    

None.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance:    

Agreements normally include assistance or program implementation periods of 1-3 years.

POST ASSISTANCE REQUIREMENTS:

Reports:  The agreements and regulations require semi-annual reports for commodity logistics and the use of proceeds from the sale of the commodities 7 CFR 1499.17. Organizations must submit quarterly financial reports for all funds advanced and all interest ea Non- governmental cooperating sponsors are subject of the audit requirements of OMB circular A-133 as implemented in USDA by 7CFR part 3052. Audits of States, Local Governments and Non-profit organizations. The cooperating sponsor is also responsible for auditing the activities of recipient agencies that receive more that $25,000 of provided commodities or sale proceeds. 7 CFR 1499.7.

Audits:   7 CFR 1499.17.

Records:   The Cooperating sponsor shall maintain records for a period of three (3) years from the date of export of the commodities that accurately reflect the receipt and use of the commodities and any proceeds realized from the sale of commodities.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION:

Account Identification:  

12-4336-0-3-999.

Obligations:  

(Total FFP expenditures) FY 03 $86,000,000; FY 04 est $122,700,000; and FY 05 est $150,800,000.

Range and Average of Financial Assistance:  
None.

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