Check a selection of GFSI's recent news, events, webinars, press features, and an archive of our bimonthly funding opportunities newsletter: The GFSI's Grants Dispatch.

• Info and event recording

  Jim Suits is the Senior Advisor for Program Operations in USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS). In his role, he supports USDA’s trade capacity-building programs by advising on and enabling best practices of project management for a programming portfolio of over $1 billion per year, including streamlining procedures, and figuring out how best to employ a variety of instruments to fulfill a constantly-shifting mandate. He previously worked as a front-line project manager on various initiatives relating to agricultural statistics, and monitoring and evaluating program activities in emerging market countries. 

  His talk provided a comprehensive overview of U.S. agricultural trade strategies, challenges, and opportunities, focusing on global market access, sustainability, and innovation in agricultural exports. Key topics and messages included:

  • Role of Specialty Crops and Packaging Innovation:

    • Specialty crops face unique export challenges, including niche market demands and regulatory complexities.
    • Research is ongoing to develop sustainable packaging that meets environmental standards without compromising product integrity.

  • International Collaboration:

    • Capacity-building programs in developing countries, such as training on sustainable farming and food safety, enhance agricultural practices globally.
    • Collaboration with universities and international researchers fosters knowledge exchange and innovation.

  • Technological and Scientific Advancements:

    • Biotechnology is emphasized as a solution for reducing inputs like water, pesticides, and fertilizers while enhancing yields.
    • Efforts are ongoing to establish internationally recognized maximum residue levels (MRLs) for chemicals in specialty crops.

  • Emerging Challenges:

    • Issues like African swine fever pose significant threats to U.S. agriculture, with containment efforts being a priority.
    • The demand for eco-friendly solutions, such as compostable stickers on produce, requires innovative research.

  • Grant Opportunities and Industry Participation:

    • The USDA and related agencies offer numerous grant programs for trade and agricultural development, encouraging more applications to maximize program impact.
    • Universities and cooperatives play a vital role in leveraging these programs.

  Watch the recording here

• GFSI GRANTS DISPATCH ARCHIVE - Check our previous funding opportunities here:

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  GRANTS DISPATCH: NOVEMBER 2023

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  GRANTS DISPATCH: SEPTEMBER 2023