U.S.-Ghana Food for Progress pacts to aid African nation's poultry sector

Two new Food for Progress agreements to boost trade and agricultural development in Ghana's poultry industry were unveiled on Tuesday by U.S. Deputy Agriculture Secretary Krysta Harden and Ghanaian Minister of Food and Agriculture Fifi Kwetey.

"The Food for Progress agreements are the latest example of the partnership between the people of Ghana and the United States," Harden said. "When the government of Ghana asked for assistance to improve its poultry sector, USDA and its partners were ready to help. We are happy to be here today with ACDI/VOCA and the American Soybean Association to launch new economic development and producer outreach initiatives."

The Agricultural Cooperative Development International/Volunteers in Overseas Cooperative Assistance (ACDI/VOCA) agreement will benefit producer groups and those who work with these groups to boost feed quality and veterinary services. The American Soybean Association agreement will provide education for producers about high-quality feed and will boost the industry's ability to test feed.

The projects associated with the grants will last for five years; the ACDI/VOCA agreement is valued at $36.6 million, and the American Soybean Association agreement is valued at $21.5 million.

USDA's Food for Progress Program is dedicated to helping developing countries modernize and develop their agricultural sectors. For more information, visit www.fas.usda.gov/programs/food-progress.