Agriculture & Food Security

Cacao for Development (C4D) aims to strengthen Colombia’s cacao sector by supporting cacao farmers attain economically viable diversified farming systems, sustainable agricultural landscapes, and equitable commercialization models.

The USDA Food for Progress Colombia – Cacao and Complementary Crops for Development (C4D) project aims to strengthen Colombia’s cacao sector to solidify U.S.-Colombia trade relations. The project represents USDA’s largest investment in Colombian agriculture, highlighting its strategic importance for both countries. The U.S. chocolate market, valued at $28.45 billion in 2025 and projected to reach $36.79 billion by 2030, depends on a stable cacao supply, as the U.S. does not grow cacao domestically. Colombia’s geographical proximity reduces transportation costs and enhances supply chain stability. C4D also strengthens the production of complementary crops for cacao, including plantain and Tabasco peppers, supporting domestic sales and U.S. exports.

Between 2022 and 2024, C4D engaged more than 5,000 producers, generating $14 million in cacao sales and strengthening 72 local producer organizations, improving their market access. To date, C4D has leveraged USDA’s investment to secure $2 million+ in cost-share commitments from local private and public sector partners. By providing training, technical assistance, and financial tools, C4D enhances Colombia’s economic resilience, mitigates migration pressures, and fosters regional stability.

USDA Food for Progress Mauritania, implemented by Partners of the Americas, has two main goals: to increase trade between the U.S. and Mauritania and improve horticulture sector productivity. These goals are related—Partners of the Americas harnesses U.S. technologies to increase Mauritanian farmers’ yields. Mauritania is a key U.S. ally, and supporting agriculture development efforts in the country is essential to maintaining robust economic and security partnerships. The project collaborates with the Mauritanian Government and has excellent relationships with federal, regional, and local authorities.

The project provides a sustainable, reliable source of fruits and vegetables to help meet Mauritania’s food security needs while increasing the resilience of farmers. USDA Food for Progress Mauritania increases two-way trade opportunities through trade fairs, two-way exchanges, market studies, and farmer demonstration plots. USDA’s investment in the Mauritanian agriculture sector boosts U.S. exports like machinery, cold storage equipment, seeds, crop protection products, and irrigation equipment exports. Partners of the Americas implements USDA Food for Progress Mauritania by employing a cost-effective strategy that leverages private sector investments to modernize and optimize Mauritania’s horticulture sector.

The two main goals of USDA Food for Progress Tunisia, implemented by Partners of the Americas, are to increase trade between the U.S. and Tunisia and improve agricultural productivity in the oases sector. Tunisia is a key partner for the U.S. and supporting agriculture development efforts in the country are essential to maintaining robust economic and security partnerships. The project seeks to enhance the sustainability of the oases crops in the southern regions of Tunisia by improving water management and building long term economic stability. Tunisia’s oases are a major agriculture production zone and the primary source of income and employment in the country’s southern regions.

The project will catalyze the adoption of sustainable business models that reduce production costs, increase the farmgate price, and utilize economies of scale. In addition, the project will promote crop diversification to improve food security and provide additional revenue streams for producers. USDA Food for Progress Tunisia will operate by employing a cost-effective strategy that leverages innovations, incentives, and Tunisian private sector investments to achieve its objectives.

Through its intervention, USDA Food for Progress Tunisia will improve the U.S.-Tunisia trade enabling environment by tackling food safety and trade facilitation, including the simplification, modernization, and harmonization of processes for the export, import, and transit of agricultural goods.