The Role of USAID in Enhancing Agricultural Growth in the Developing World.

USAID is an independent federal government agency that receives overall foreign policy guidance from the Secretary of State. Our work supports long-term and equitable economic growth and advances U.S. foreign policy objectives by supporting economic growth, agriculture and trade; global health; and, democracy, conflict prevention and humanitarian assistance. We provide assistance in five regions of the world: Sub-Saharan Africa; Asia; Latin America and the Caribbean, Europe and Eurasia; and the Middle East. At the April, 2009 G20 Summit President Obama called upon Congress to double U.S. support for agricultural development in developing countries to more than $1 billion. Recognizing that solving to food insecurity requires engaging the world’s poorest populations toward rapid, sustained economic growth, the President tasked USAID to take a leading role in the endeavor. USAID has a long history of technical leadership in international agricultural development, drawing upon the expertise of U.S. universities, industry, non-governmental and private voluntary organizations, and multilateral development partners. USAID aligns behind country-driven strategies and invests in strengthening both public and private institutions that underpin growth of the agricultural sector. The Agency works throughout the sector, from developing improved seeds and management practices to strengthening the industries along the agricultural value chain. USAID is scaling-up a comprehensive approach to agriculture by developing agricultural markets, trade, and finance ; promoting food and nutritional security ; funding collaborative science and technology research efforts; organizing volunteer technical assistance and extension services; fostering support for biotechnology-related decisions and access; and developing and supporting sound programs for livestock and sustainable agriculture.