In a significant development for agricultural collaboration, Morocco has been chosen as a priority country for the U.S. government’s 'Food for Progress' program for the year 2026. This initiative, aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity and boosting trade, comes with a substantial funding pool of up to $226 million. The program not only seeks to support partner economies but also aims to create new markets for American agricultural products.
According to a statement from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) through its Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS), Morocco is among seven nations selected for this program, joining the ranks of Bangladesh, Bolivia, Ecuador, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. This initiative is designed to improve agricultural productivity and promote trade in developing and emerging economies, marking a pivotal step in international agricultural cooperation.
The USDA elaborates that the 'Food for Progress' program plans to allocate up to $226 million this year through new cooperative agreements intended to finance projects lasting five years, with individual project funding ranging from $28 to $35 million. This investment is not just about enhancing agricultural outputs; it also aims to secure new markets for U.S. agricultural products, thereby contributing to the economic stability of vulnerable communities worldwide.
Furthermore, the USDA emphasizes that this program is crucial for making America safer and more prosperous by investing in strategically selected partner countries committed to enhancing their agricultural productivity and expanding agricultural trade. By purchasing bulk agricultural products from U.S. farmers, ranchers, and producers, the program enables these products to be marketed in emerging economies, with the revenue generated funneled back into supporting agricultural, economic, or infrastructural development programs.
This initiative is expected to significantly enhance the competitiveness of U.S. agricultural markets while encouraging private sector engagement and fostering innovation within emerging markets. Each year, the USDA's Foreign Agricultural Service issues a call for project proposals and provides a list of priority countries. Eligible entities for application include foreign governments, intergovernmental organizations, private voluntary organizations, cooperatives, and non-governmental organizations. Notably, universities are also welcome to apply for the 'Food for Progress' program, thereby broadening the scope of participation in this pivotal initiative.
As reported by fr.le360.ma.
