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U.S. Government International Food Security and Development Programs

USAID Bureau for Food Security/Feed the Future

The Bureau for Food Security was created in November 2010 to manage the Feed the Future initiative, as well as traditional agricultural development programs under USAID.

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, multilateral development partners and its own technical staff. The Bureau for Food Security, which leads the Feed the Future initiative, leverages the strengths of  other U.S. government partners, multilateral institutions, NGOs, the private sector, universities and civil society organizations to support country-driven strategies, and invests in strengthening both public and private institutions that underpin growth in the agricultural sector.

Feed the Future Overview

Feed the Future brings partners together to help some of the world’s poorest countries harness the power of agriculture to jumpstart their economies and create new opportunities for greater health, security and prosperity. This involves work both on and off the farm, from helping farmers boost production and nutrition to fostering business investment and economic growth.

By helping people connect with the knowledge and tools they need to feed themselves, we are addressing the root causes of poverty and hunger, helping people end their reliance on aid, and creating important opportunities for a new generation of young people, while building a more stable world.

USDA Foreign Agricultural Service

The Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) links U.S. agriculture to the world to enhance export opportunities and global food security.

In addition to its Washington, D.C. staff, FAS has a global network of nearly 100 offices covering approximately 180 countries. These offices are staffed by agricultural attachés and locally hired agricultural experts who are the eyes, ears, and voice for U.S. agriculture around the world. FAS staff identify problems, provide practical solutions, and work to advance opportunities for U.S. agriculture and support U.S. foreign policy around the globe.

Food Security

FAS leads USDA’s efforts to help developing countries improve their agricultural systems and build their trade capacity. FAS also partners with the U.S. Agency for International Development to administer U.S. food aid programs, helping people in need around the world. FAS’s non-emergency food assistance programs help meet recipients’ nutritional needs and also support agricultural development and education.