The Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service is accepting proposals for cooperative agreement projects to be funded in fiscal year 2005. The agency expects to allocate $2.5 million to fund cooperative agreements that will reduce the incidence of foodborne illnesses associated with meat, poultry, and egg products. The deadline for proposals is June 20, 2005.

Throughout the years, the FSIS has sought to strengthen its public health capabilities and support for food safety innovation through grants. This year, the agency will fund cooperative agreements in five areas: food animal production, transportation, and marketing; small and very small federal- and state-inspected establishments; retail stores, food service establishments, and other inspection-exempt enterprises that are subject to state, local, or tribal regulations, and that process or otherwise handle meat, poultry, and egg products; new technology; and integration of data from federal, state, or local levels to enhance and improve detection of public health hazards.

Academic institutions, nonprofit organizations, and state, local, and tribal government agencies are invited to submit proposals of one or two pages. If reviewers at the FSIS find that projects would further the food safety and public health goals of the agency, are applicable nationwide to targeted audiences, can be reproduced and disseminated, and reflect new materials or approaches, submitters will be invited to further develop the proposals for consideration, as funding is available.

For further proposal requirements and additional information, visit the April 20 issue of the Federal Register, www.gpoaccess.gov/fr/.