Coordinating Agricultural Development & Innovation (CADI) Uzbekistan: U.S. Soy Marketing Promotion

The CADI, funded through an interagency agreement between the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Foreign Agricultural Service (USDA/FAS) and the State Department's Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs, supports a portfolio of projects in Eastern Europe (non-E.U.), the South Caucasus, and Central Asia. These projects are designed to make American agriculture safer, stronger, and more prosperous. Specifically, the portfolio seeks to prevent and remove trade barriers for U.S. agricultural exports and support U.S. exporters and trading partners. Collectively, the portfolio is working to:• Add over $622 million to the U.S. economy by removing trade barriers.• Contribute an additional $312 million to the U.S. economy through direct support to American exporters and trading partners.• Avoid over $50 billion in potential economic harm to the U.S. economy by preventing lost market access due to the spread of livestock contagions to the United States and new trade barriers.The awardee will conduct original basic and applied research that will focus on advancing a trade agenda that benefits America’s ranchers, farmers, and producers.Through this applied research, the awardee will:• Provide throughout the period of performance actionable recommendations to help achieve the CADI portfolio’s targets.• Track the portfolio’s attributable accomplishments toward these trade outcomes, including the development of U.S. county-level impact estimates.DELIVERABLES1. Final report on the recipient’s research to quantify the CADI portfolio’s direct economic impact on American farmers;2. Annual economic impact report that quantifies the CADI portfolio’s direct economic impact on American farmers. This report will specifically analyze the CADI’s portfolio of projects’ progress toward achieving the following targets:a. Armenia:i. Add $92,851,795 to the U.S. economy by increasing the sale of 200,000 MT U.S. wheat (40k MT sold once per year, for 5 years) through technical assistance to trading partners.ii. Add $2,197,937 to the U.S. economy by increasing U.S. exports to Armenia by 5% using short-term training and technical assistance to remove food safety-related technical barriers to trade.b. Georgia:i. Add $92,851,795 to the U.S. economy by facilitating the sale of 200,000 MT U.S. wheat (40k MT sold once per year, for 5 years) through technical assistance to trading partners.ii. Add $15,443,458 to the U.S. economy by increasing the U.S. market share of the Georgian poultry market by 1.1% over 5 years through short-term agricultural trade promotion and technical assistance.iii. Add $892,190 to the U.S. economy by facilitating $433,102 in the export of U.S. aquaculture inputs short-term agricultural trade promotion and technical assistance.c. Kazakhstan:i. Contribute $28,000,000 to the U.S. economy by supporting 1,000,000 bushels of expanded market opportunity for U.S. wheat, per year for 5 years, through improved agricultural production data.d. Ukraine:i. Maintain $439,441,866 in U.S. economic activity by ensuring $224,994,460 in U.S. agricultural exports to Ukraine continue over 5 years by preventing new barriers to U.S. agricultural exports.ii. Protect $50,000,000 in damage to the U.S. economy by maintaining U.S. pork’s global market access by preventing the spread of African Swine Fever to the United States.iii. Catalyze $1,030,000 in U.S. economic activity by unlocking the Ukrainian livestock genetics market and facilitating $500,000 in U.S. livestock genetics exports through short-term agricultural trade promotion and technical assistance.iv. Add $31,135,852 to the U.S. economy by unlocking the Ukrainian purebred cattle market, and supporting U.S. exporters in achieving 50% market share for 5 years.v. Contribute $14,255,778 to the U.S. economy by supporting 250,000 bushels of expanded market opportunity for U.S. wheat, per year for 5 years, through improved agricultural production data.vi. Contribute $16,731,044 to the U.S. economy by supporting 250,000 bushels of expanded market opportunity for U.S. oilseeds, per year for 5 years, through improved agricultural production data.e. Uzbekistan:i. Add $9,177,352 to the U.S. economy by increasing U.S. market share of soybean exports by 5%, and sustain this market share for 5 years through short-term agricultural trade promotion and technical assistance.ii. Add $4,735,105 to the U.S. economy by increasing U.S. market share of distilled spirits exports by 6.2%, and sustaining that market share for 5 years through short-term agricultural trade promotion and technical assistance.3. A quarterly presentation to the USDA/FAS CADI management team on the CADI portfolio’s progress toward achieving America First trade targets, providing strategic recommendations to maximize outcomes for the benefit of American agriculture; and,4. Annually, provide at least one success story per country where CADI operates. Each story must include a detailed analysis of USDA/FAS accomplishments in one of the following areas:a. Preventing or removing trade barriersb. Assisting U.S. exporters and trading partnersAll work under this research program is unclassified. The awardee shall ensure that all information is safeguarded against unauthorized access. Any personnel performing work under this agreement who will have access to non-public information will require Public Trust (Moderate Risk) background investigations (also known as T2 background investigation) that will be issued by USDA prior to beginning work.The projected Period of Performance is from November 1, 2026 - September 31, 2028, with the possibility of an extension as described in Section 9.1.The work will require Temporary Duty Travel (TDY) to foreign and domestic locations that remain to be determined. A total of 4 one-week international TDYs to Eastern Europe (non-E.U.), the South Caucasus and Central Asia should be included in the budget, as well as four one-week domestic trips to locations to be determined. Funding Opportunity Number: USDA-FAS-10960-0700-109-26-0003. Assistance Listing: 10.960. Funding Instrument: G. Category: AG. Award Amount: Up to $333K per award.

The occurrence of insects as well as pesticide residuals can be significant barriers for U.S. horticultural exports. Each importing country can have unique phytosanitary and maximum residue limit (MRL) requirements, which creates operational and logistical challenges. To maximize return to growers, U.S. shippers need tools that can universally address all such requirements while maintaining product quality. Currently, tree nuts and many other durable specialty crops require fumigations or freezing, which are both expensive and create bottlenecks in marketing.More and more tree nut handlers are using a modified atmosphere (MA) or controlled atmosphere (CA) technology in which low-oxygen conditions (<1% by volume) are maintained during storage and/or in packaging. Low-oxygen conditions are known to control insect pests, leave no chemical residuals, and result in high quality products since the lipid oxidation that causes rancidity is markedly suppressed. While this approach is being used as a condition of sale, there is currently no efficient way for shippers to validate the low-oxygen conditions for customers, let alone importers with phytosanitary requirements for insect control. Technically and economically viable, verifiable, and preferably traceable technologies are critically needed before low-oxygen storage and packaging approaches can be used for export to most countries.Currently, the existing low-oxygen technologies do not incorporate digital mapping or official record-keeping during the packing or storage process, so there is no non-invasive manner to verify the oxygen content over time within the gas-impermeable liners and/or confirm seal integrity. This limits the ability to verify that a low-oxygen environment has been maintained at a specific oxygen level over a certain period of time, which would be necessary to ensure the conditions were met to act as a phytosanitary treatment. Counties such as India, Korea, and Japan require phytosanitary treatments, such as fumigation, for post-harvest pest management before many types of U.S. tree nuts can be imported into the countries. Additionally, buyers in other markets also request pest management treatments as a condition of sale in commercial transactions. Funding Opportunity Number: USDA-FAS-10621-0750-106-27-0001. Assistance Listing: 10.621. Funding Instrument: CA. Category: AG. Award Amount: Up to $2M per award.

Supporting industry in the switch to sustainable and circular bio-based products and processes is sponsored by European Commission — Horizon Europe. Expected Outcome: Successful proposals will contribute to updated EU Bioeconomy Strategy, the Clean Industrial Deal, the European Chemical Industry Action Plan and the upcoming Circular Economy Act. Projects results are expected to contribute to the following expected outcomes: Identification of technical, market and regulatory barriers and possible solutions for industry to ‘switch to bio-based’. Contribution to filling the gap between bio-based sectors and the broader industrial landscape. Scope: While the share of bio-based products and processes in traditionally non-bio-based markets has been growing substantially in recent years, many non-bio-based, partially bio-based and more traditional bio-based industries (such as food industry) still perceive market and regulatory situations as uncertain and may therefore be reluctant to invest in new bio-based value chains. These uncertainties may relate to cost competition versus fossil-based counterparts, first-mover hesitation, lack of investment attractiveness, regulatory issues, uncertainties in feedstock quality and availability, lack of knowledge, shortage of relevant skills, etc.. Notwithstanding these challenges, industries recognise the opportunity of ‘switching to bio-based’ to improve their sustainability profile and meet consumers’ expectations. Proposals under this topic should: Perform a consultation among non-bio-based and partially bio-based industries to identify barriers preventing them to adopt/diversify bio-based feedstock and processes in their operations. Include at least 3 industrial sectors that are critical for the green transition. Make sure to include a representative sample of industries with different size (including SMEs and startups) and position in the value chain and covering regions with different specialisations. Analyse the outcomes from the consultation to identify barriers to bio-based transition and propose possible solutions. Validate the results with end users/consumers to include their perspectives. Identify case studies and success stories showcasing best practises leading to adoption of bio-based solutions and assess their replication potential in the non-bio-based and partially bio-based sectors in scope. Create a forum bringing together bio-based industries, feedstock providers, non-bio-based and partially bio-based industries, investors, policymakers, demand-side actors (e.g., large retailers, end-users, public procurers, etc.) as well as existing or upcoming stakeholders’ groups under the CBE JU, to facilitate the dialogue among the stakeholders and identify possible pathways for cooperation. Develop and publish sectoral and cross-sectoral roadmaps towards the ‘switch to bio-based’ for the (at least 3) targeted non-bio-based or partially bio-based industrial sectors, also identifying de-risking opportunities. In addition to the specific requirements applicable for the type of action, as described in section 2.2.3.1 of the CBE JU Annual Work Programme 2026 [1] , proposals under this topic should: : Ensure complementarities with past and ongoing R&amp;I projects addressing similar challenges, including projects funded under Horizon 2020/Horizon Europe, BBI JU/CBE JU projects as well as COST actions. [1] https://www.cbe.europa.eu/reference-documents Programme areas: Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness, Food, Bioeconomy Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment, Bio-based Innovation Systems in the EU Bioeconomy, Horizon Europe (HORIZON) Keywords: Competitiveness, innovation, research and development, Innovation policy, Market analysis, Market development, barriers, bio-based industrial transformation, bio-based market, green transition, investment, knowledge, market development, market strategy, skills, stakeholder dialogue

Demonstrating and deploying innovative collection, sorting-for-reuse and repair systems for textiles at city/region level (Circular Cities and Regions Initiative topic) is sponsored by European Commission — Horizon Europe. Expected Outcome: Project results are expected to contribute to all of the following expected outcomes: local/regional authorities and their operators adopt optimised collection and sorting systems of municipal waste that prioritise textile reuse and repair; social economy entities and society at large benefit from favourable conditions for reuse and repair practices which enable product lifetime prolongation and stimulate second-hand markets; citizens have access to better information, leading to greater awareness and public acceptance, and stimulating behavioural change towards sustainable consumption; innovative circular textile methodologies, practices and solutions are made available to enable large-scale replication and upscaling in European cities and regions; businesses are stimulated to advance repair strategies and circular business models while creating new jobs. Scope: This topic supports the implementation of the European Commission’s Circular Cities and Regions Initiative (CCRI). It is part of a series of CCRI-related topics funded under Horizon Europe with the aim of accelerating place-based innovation, boosting skills and capacities as well as supporting the implementation of solutions for a circular systemic transition at city/region level. The implementation of circular systemic solutions reduces environmental impacts and contribute to the preservation of biodiversity, by decreasing the extraction of primary raw materials and minimizing waste generation. Proposals should: develop, test and validate innovative solutions that accelerate the adoption of textile reuse and repair practices by local/regional authorities and their operators (e.g. public collection points, retailer take-back schemes); involve citizens, local (e.g. upcycling) businesses and social enterprises in the development and implementation of local repair &amp; reuse strategies and practices; improve data captured on local textile waste flows and ensure transparency and traceability across the supply chain; develop solutions for sorting, and preparing for re-use, including digital solutions (in view of the implementation of digital product passport) and AI to enable repair and affordable pricing of repaired clothes and to stimulate reuse of textiles, particularly apparels; incentivise manufacturers to provide spare parts to enhance reuse and reparability (e.g. linen for a coat, extra buttons, zippers, etc.) and to provide extended guarantee. develop actionable recommendations for replication in other European cities and regions. Proposals must use the multi-actor approach and take into account a gender sensitive and inclusive approach. Collaboration between retailers/manufacturers and small repair business and social enterprises is encouraged. Proposals should seek to contribute to the goals and cooperate with the services of the European Commission’s Circular Cities and Regions Initiative (CCRI) and in particular with the CCRI Coordination and Support Office. Joint activities with other CCRI-related projects and clustering with other related projects is strongly encouraged. Proposals should also evaluate the feasibility, effectiveness and impact of the demonstrated solutions using robust evaluation methods (including lifecycle assessments such as product environmental footprint, where relevant) and present data and evidence about the economic, environmental and social costs and benefits of the developed solutions. The topic requires the effective contribution of SSH disciplines and the involvement of SSH experts, institutions as well as the inclusion of relevant SSH expertise, in order to produce meaningful and significant effects enhancing the societal impact of the related research activities. The topic supports the European Green Deal, the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation and its working plan, the upcoming Circular Economy Act and contributes to Europe’s efforts to develop a single market for sustainable products. It also contr Programme areas: Horizon Europe (HORIZON), Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness, Food, Bioeconomy Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment, Circular Systems Keywords: Business model innovation, Circular economy, Climate change mitigation, Competitiveness, innovation, research and development, Design innovation, Ecodesign, Life Cycle Analysis, Environment, Environment, Pollution & Climate, Environment, resources and sustainability, Environmental change and society, Environmental protection, Greenhouse gases, Inclusion, Industrial innovation policy, Industrial sectoral change, Innovation policy, Innovation strategies, Innovation systems, Knowledge and Technology transfer, Knowledge transfer, Natural resources and environmental economics, New business opportunities, New industrial value chains, Organizational innovation, Polymers and plastics, Process innovation, Product innovation, Public sector innovation, Regional development, Regulatory framework for innovation, Related to industrial policy, Related to regional development, Resources efficiency, Social Networks, Social innovation, Sustainable design (for recycling, for environment, eco-design), Sustainable innovation, Technological innovation, Textiles, Textiles including synthetic dyes, colours, fibres, Urban studies, regional studies, Waste, Waste management, Waste recycling, circular economy, place-based innovation, product refurbishment, textiles reuse

Bioeconomy policy support hub for Member States, regions and sectors is sponsored by European Commission — Horizon Europe. Expected Outcome: Project results are expected to contribute to all of the following expected outcomes: most Member States and regions [1] have established the bioeconomy as an important policy field. Effective bioeconomy policies and strategies are developed and implemented with specific impact targets in mind; policies and action plans and roadmaps are coordinated across parts of government (e.g. Ministries) and across the quadruple helix (government, sectors, research &amp; innovation, society) to take into account the cross-sectoral and place-based character of the bioeconomy, and the need for a whole of government approach. Platforms are established to facilitate dialogue, experimentation, learning and coordination; all actors of the quadruple helix (e.g. policy makers, NGOs, economic sectors) are aware of the bioeconomy, as well as of the potential and challenges that are specific for their perspective and context. The bioeconomy concept, its principles and its solutions and innovations are mainstreamed by sectors (e.g. food, textiles, chemicals, energy, agriculture, forestry). Scope: Proposals should: establish a European Bioeconomy Policy Support Hub to provide innovative approaches, hands-on support, learning and advise to Member States and regions on plans, roadmaps, policies and collaborations to deploy their bioeconomies; provide innovative tools to assess, on an ongoing basis, the stage of development of bioeconomy policies and strategies in Member States and regions, and to assess the quality of their implementation; provide relevant support, new approaches and recommendations to improve and/or take next steps. Take into account the learnings of the Report “ Deploying the bioeconomy in the EU ” (2021, European Commission), as well as the results of relevant Horizon Europe projects (e.g. ShapingBio, CEE2ACT, SCALE-UP); provide an overview of the uptake of new bioeconomy solutions based on biomass and biological resources (including ecosystems) in European value chains and sectors (including service sectors); provide innovative approaches, hands-on support, learning and advise to Member States and regions to deploy their bioeconomies. This can include activities that aim help to: inform and engage political leadership on the potential of the bioeconomy; establish or improve platforms facilitate policy dialogue, experimentation, learning and coordination (e.g. policy labs); map the bioeconomy’s potential across sectors and society at regional and Member State level, and increase awareness; advance skills of policy makers, and learn from best practices in bioeconomy policy and implementation; set-up or improve local bioeconomy councils, i.e. platforms for dialogue between government, sectors, academia and society (quadruple helix) on bioeconomy policies, plans, roadmaps and their implementation; put in place collaborations that facilitate the scaling-up of bioeconomy solutions in value chains and sectors that are relevant for the Member State or region; monitor the bioeconomy as well as the change process it brings; ensure innovative approaches, hands-on support, learning and advise that is both generic (targeting all Member States and regions; or groups of Member States and regions) and tailormade (in response to questions from specific Member States and regions that express clear need and commitment to collaborate); carry out activities to maximize the geographical spread of its support and advice; enable structural dialogue with European Commission services, and collaborate with relevant initiatives such as the Circular Bio-based Europe (CBE) Joint Undertaking, European University Alliances, the European Circular Economy Stakeholder Platform or the BIOEAST initiative collaborate with such partners on a roadmap to ensure that key results, tools and approaches can be sustained after the end of the project; collaborate with relevant Horizon Europe projects (e.g. ShapingBio) and/or build on their results. The Joint Re Programme areas: Horizon Europe (HORIZON), Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness, Food, Bioeconomy Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment, Bio-based Innovation Systems in the EU Bioeconomy Keywords: Bioeconomy, EU research policy /Research policies in the EU, Industrial policy, Innovation policy, Public administration, Advice, Best practice, Member State, Policy support, Region