The Food for Progress Program provides for the donation of U.S. agricultural commodities to developing countries and emerging democracies committed to introducing and expanding free enterprise in the agricultural sector. The commodities are generally sold on the local market, and the proceeds are used to support agricultural development activities.
Per the Food Security Act of 1985, (7 U.S.C. § 1736o(d)), the Food for Progress Program has six specific objectives:
- Access, on the part of farmers in the country, to private, competitive markets for their products;
- Market pricing of eligible commodities to foster adequate private sector incentives to individual farmers to produce food on a regular basis for the country’s domestic needs;
- Establishment of market-determined foreign exchange rates;
- Timely availability of production inputs (such as seed, fertilizer, or pesticides) to farmers;
- Access to technologies appropriate to the level of agricultural development in country; and
- Construction of facilities and distribution systems necessary to handle perishable products.
These can be summarized through two high-level strategic objectives: (1) increase agricultural productivity, and (2) expand trade of agricultural products (domestically, regionally, and/or internationally). These objectives work to enhance the competitiveness of American agricultural markets while promoting private sector engagement and encouraging innovation in emerging markets. The Food for Progress Program also represents the America First priorities by investing in strategically selected partner countries committed to improving agricultural productivity and expanding agricultural trade and opening new markets for U.S. agricultural goods while seeking to support vulnerable communities across the world.
Go to Related Documents to find the full announcement, details on how to apply, instructions on accessing the Food Aid Information System, weekly responses to questions, and other important information.