Food for Progress Program

Food for Progress Program helps make America safer, stronger, and more prosperous by investing in strategically selected partner countries committed to improving agricultural productivity and expanding agricultural trade, opening new markets for U.S. agricultural goods, while seeking to support vulnerable communities across the world. Food for Progress purchases bulk U.S. agricultural commodities from American farmers, ranchers, and producers to be sold commercially in emerging economies and the proceeds are used to support agricultural, economic, or infrastructure development programs that increase economic development and opportunities for U.S. trade. Food for Progress has two principal objectives: to improve agricultural productivity and to expand trade of agricultural products in developing countries and emerging economies. These objectives work to enhance the competitiveness of American agricultural markets while promoting private sector engagement and encouraging innovation in emerging markets. FAS solicits project proposals each year and provides a list of priority countries. Organizations eligible to apply include foreign governments, intergovernmental organizations, private voluntary organizations, cooperatives, and non-governmental organizations. Colleges and universities – including land-grant institutions - are also eligible to apply to Food for Progress.