Assisting Specialty Crop Exports: Low Oxygen Storage and Packaging Systems for U.S. Tree Nuts with Phytosanitary Traceability

The USDA Foreign Agricultural Service is seeking a single awardee to lead a cooperative‑agreement project that will develop, test, and commercialize verifiable, traceable low‑oxygen storage and packaging technologies for U.S. tree nuts. The effort must produce digital‑record‑keeping methods, sensor‑based verification of <1 % O₂ environments, and packaging‑specific protocols that satisfy phytosanitary requirements of key export markets (e.g., India, Korea, Japan). The recipient will coordinate sub‑awards to technology providers, conduct pilot testing with industry partners, and deliver a final report with cost estimates and implementation guidance. • Total federal funding available: up to $2 M; project length up to 5 years. • Eligible entities: U.S. academic institutions, state governments, nonprofits, trade associations, cooperatives, international organizations, private‑sector firms (must be SAM‑registered). • Scope includes development of verification processes for bulk and retail packaging, integration of sensors/software for non‑invasive oxygen monitoring, and creation of traceability data that can be used by USDA/APHIS inspectors. • Required deliverables: technical report, verification protocols per commodity, cost‑per‑unit and capital‑cost estimates, and a coordination plan with tree‑nut industry groups. • Sub‑awards may be issued to packaging technology firms and research partners; recipient must manage these sub‑awards under USDA oversight. • Reporting: semi‑annual financial and performance reports; final reports due within 120 days of project end.