The objective of this agreement is to encourage the development, maintenance, and expansion of commercial export markets for certain united states agricultural commodities and products

The Department of Agriculture Foreign Agricultural Service Food for Education awarded a Cooperative Agreement totaling $12.5 million to Cotton Council International (doing business as National Cotton Council) on April 22, 2026, under the Regional Agricultural Promotion Program (CFDA 10.618).

The award funds market development activities to foster the development, maintenance, and expansion of commercial export markets for United States agricultural commodities and products. Cotton Council International will conduct approved market development activities to encourage healthy exports and market diversification.

Performance extends through September 30, 2028, with place of performance in Washington, DC. The Regional Agricultural Promotion Program reimburses nonprofit U.S. agricultural trade organizations, nonprofit state regional trade groups, U.S. agricultural cooperatives, and state agencies for qualifying market development expenses under a cost-share model. Grant records must be retained for three years from final expenditure report submission, or longer if litigation, claims, negotiation, audit, or other action is pending.