Food for Progress

The Food for Progress Program helps developing countries and emerging democracies modernize and strengthen their agricultural sectors. U.S. agricultural commodities donated to recipient countries are sold on the local market and the proceeds are used to support agricultural, economic, or infrastructure development programs.

Food for Progress has two principal objectives: to improve agricultural productivity and to expand trade of agricultural products. 

Past Food for Progress projects have trained farmers in animal and plant health, helped improve farming methods, developed road and utility systems, established producer cooperatives, provided microcredit, and developed agricultural value chains. Program participants have included private voluntary organizations, foreign governments, universities, and intergovernmental organizations. 

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 nongovernmental organizations. Colleges and universities – including land-grant institutions - are also eligible to apply to Food for Progress.


Data and Analysis

Since fiscal year (FY) 2012, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan’s Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation...
Charts and Graphs

Infographic: Feeding Our Future

Graphic illustrating USDA's role in promoting food security worldwide, which in turn creates new markets for U.S. agricultural exports.
Under USDA’s Food for Progress Program, USDA and ACDI/VOCA are working together to support the development of Ethiopia’s livestock feed sector...

News and Features

USDA will provide $466.5 million in FY 2024 funding to strengthen global food security through the McGovern-Dole and Food for Progress programs, Secretary Vilsack announced today.
Stakeholder Notice

USDA Seeks Input on $50-Million Food Aid Pilot

FAS is seeking stakeholder input on a pilot project to include non-traditional commodities in the U.S. government’s international food assistance programs.
USDA would like to invite interested parties to attend a public meeting webinar on FY24 Food for Progress Programs Notice of Funding Opportunities (NOFO). This will be an informational session to discuss application requirements and technical areas of focus and address any stakeholder questions.

Programs in Action

American farmers, ranchers, and agribusiness owners continue to have success abroad as USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service works for U.S. agriculture.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service partners with World Initiative for Soy in Human Health (WISHH) to foster agricultural sustainability, boost food security and promote U.S. products around the world.