FGP Environmental and Social Review

FAS will screen all FGP Payment Guarantee applications for any negative environmental and social impact.  In accordance with 7 CFR 1493.260(a) and (b), Sellers must submit a completed preliminary environmental and social screening document with each letter of interest and with the initial application for a payment guarantee (unless the screening document was previously submitted with a letter of interest and is unchanged).

FAS will review the screening document to determine whether the transaction is likely to have significant adverse environmental and/or social impacts.  In accordance with 7 CFR 1493.260(c)(1)(iii), if FAS determines that a transaction will have potential adverse impacts, the seller must submit additional requested information to FAS, up to and including an environmental and social impact assessment (ESIA), an in-depth report that identifies these risks and proposes measures to offset them.

All program environmental and social review requirements, including information required in an ESIA, are based on the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) “Common Approaches for Officially Supported Export Credits and Environmental and Social Due Diligence.”  The OECD Common Approaches incorporate the International Finance Corporation’s Performance Standards and the World Bank’s Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) Guidelines.  

In accordance with 7 CFR 1493.260(e), FAS will make available all ESIAs for public comment for a minimum of 30 business days.  Information for public comment will be made available on this website, along with relevant agency contact information.