Can an FPO export directly and how does FPO-led export work?

Yes, an FPO (registered as a Producer Company or cooperative) can export directly. It needs the same basics as any exporter: an IEC in the FPO's name, APEDA registration for scheduled products, and compliance with quality, residue and documentation requirements. FPO-led export has real advantages: you pool volume from many members to fill containers, you can invest together in grading, packing and cold chain, and you negotiate better as a group. The challenges are working capital (export payment cycles are long), the skill to handle documentation and buyer relationships, and quality consistency across members. Many FPOs start by supplying merchant exporters, then graduate to direct export once they have a reliable buyer and finance. Use APEDA buyer-seller meets, FPO federations, and the support of your CBBO and agencies like NABARD or SFAC. Look into the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund for packhouse or cold storage finance. Confirm current schemes on the APEDA, SFAC and NABARD portals.