FR 2021-03164

The document from the Federal Register announces that the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) of the USDA is seeking an extension for the information collection related to the USDA's Emerging Markets Program. Submitted in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this request seeks to continue gathering data from applicants who wish to receive grants for projects in overseas markets. These grant recipients are required to submit performance and financial reports to ensure compliance with the program's objectives.

General Summary

The notice invites public comments on this request until April 19, 2021. Comments can be submitted through various channels such as email, mail, or the Federal eRulemaking Portal. The document provides contact details and methods for interested individuals to submit their thoughts. The Emerging Markets Program is designed to assess the viability of projects proposed to stimulate U.S. agricultural exports in emerging markets.

Significant Issues or Concerns

Several issues arise from this notice. Firstly, there is a lack of detail regarding the actual amount of funding available or the size of the grants awarded through the program. This omission makes it difficult for the public to understand the potential scale of the investments and raises concerns about the program's vulnerability to wasteful spending.

Furthermore, the document does not outline any past performance metrics or accountability measures, which could help in evaluating the effectiveness of the program. This absence can lead to inefficiencies or even misuse of funds if not monitored properly.

Another concern is the lack of transparency around the criteria for grant eligibility and selection. Without clear guidelines, there could be perceptions of favoritism or unfair bias in how grants are awarded.

The "Estimate of Burden" section uses complex language that might be confusing to the general public. Terms like "public reporting burden" could benefit from simplification to enhance understanding.

Lastly, the instructions for submitting comments via mail or email indicate that respondents must include the agency name. However, the exact agency name is not specified, which might lead to confusion.

Impact on the Public

This notice presents both opportunities and challenges for the public. On one hand, the extension of the program could provide continued support for projects that promote U.S. agriculture in emerging markets. This could have positive economic implications, potentially leading to more jobs and increased economic activity.

On the other hand, the lack of transparency and the potential for inefficiencies raise concerns about how taxpayer dollars are being used. If the program does not implement robust performance tracking and accountability measures, it may not achieve its goals, negatively impacting the country's economic interests abroad.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

Stakeholders directly involved, such as agricultural cooperatives, universities, and non-profit organizations, may be positively impacted by the opportunity to apply for funding to support their initiatives in foreign markets. This extension allows such entities to pursue international opportunities that could benefit their growth and innovation.

However, these stakeholders might also face uncertainty due to the lack of detailed information about grant eligibility criteria and selection processes. Without clarity, some potential applicants might feel discouraged from participating or may question the fairness of the program.

In conclusion, while the document presents a potential continuation of beneficial funding opportunities under the USDA's Emerging Markets Program, it also highlights several critical areas that require further clarification to ensure transparency, accountability, and effective public spending.