[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 201 (Thursday, October 17, 2002)]
[Notices]
[Page 64082]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-26400]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Foreign Agriculture Service


Notice of Termination of the Trade Leads Polling Service and 
Removal of Trade Leads From the Internet

AGENCY: Foreign Agricultural Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice and request for comments.

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SUMMARY: This notice provides details of changes that will affect the 
distribution of Trade Leads to U.S. exporters of food, agricultural, 
seafood and forest products.

DATES: Effective date of changes being implemented is December 16, 
2002. Comments on this notice must be received by 45 days from date of 
publication in the Federal Register to be assured of consideration.

REQUESTS FOR COMMENTS: Send comments regarding the proposed changes to 
the AgExport Services Division of the Foreign Agricultural Service 
(FAS). These changes pertain to the distribution of Trade Leads via e-
mail and the Fax Broadcast medium. Comments should be sent to Dan 
Berman, Director, Ag Export Services Division, Commodity and Marketing 
Programs, Foreign Agricultural Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 
1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Stop 1052, Washington, DC 20250-1052. 
All written comments received will be available for public inspection 
at the above address Monday thru Friday between 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Phone 
(202) 720-6343, Fax: (202) 690-0193.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    Title: Trade Leads Distribution.
    The Trade Leads program has served as an effective tool to expand 
U.S. agricultural exports by helping U.S. companies sell their products 
outside of the United States. FAS overseas offices collect the Trade 
Lead notices. Trade Leads provide detailed information on U.S. products 
that are being sought by foreign buyers. The leads are forwarded to the 
AgConnections office of the AgExport Services Division. After editing 
the leads, they are disseminated using the Internet, Fax Polling, by e-
mail to qualified exporters, and to U.S. multiplier groups. These leads 
are offered to both new and experienced exporters.
    AgExport Services Division is proposing to change how Trade Leads 
are to be disseminated in the future. Following the suggestions and 
comments by many of the FAS overseas offices, FAS will discontinue 
distribution of Trade Leads by the fax polling method and through the 
Internet. Written notice will be provided to all individuals and 
companies that currently access leads through either of these methods. 
The notice will include instructions on how to obtain the information 
after the service is discontinued. AgExport Services Division will 
continue to distribute leads to FAS multiplier groups with no 
interruption in service. Changing FAS dissemination methods will give 
qualified U.S. exporters of agricultural, food, seafood and forest 
products priority and immediate access to export sales opportunities 
from foreign buyers that are seeking U.S. products.
    FAS will collect e-mail addresses from exporters that wish to 
receive this information. As an alternative for those companies that do 
not currently have an e-mail address, AgExport Services Division will 
ascertain a fax number for dissemination purposes. Only U.S. companies 
will be eligible to receive daily Trade Leads inquiries. All comments 
to this notice will become a matter of public record.

A. Ellen Terpstra,
Administrator, Foreign Agricultural Service.
[FR Doc. 02-26400 Filed 10-16-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-10-M