Areas of Work

The two main goals of USDA Food for Progress Tunisia, implemented by Partners of the Americas, were 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 sought 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.

Implemented by Partners of the Americas, the project had 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.

This project aimed to strengthen Colombia’s cocoa sector by supporting cacao farmers attain economically viable diversified farming systems, sustainable agricultural landscapes, and durable commercialization models. It strengthened Colombia’s cocoa sector to solidify U.S.-Colombia trade relations. The project represented 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.

This project strengthened Mexico’s capacity to prevent and address labor and human rights risks associated with the 2026 FIFA World Cup. By working closely with local labor rights organizations and engaging national and local authorities, the project seeks to reduce the risk of labor and human rights violations during the event.

This project worked to improve Colombia’s compliance with local and international labor rights in the port sector. Focused on eliminating forced labor, child labor, and other labor violations, the project promotes compliance with international labor rights, strengthens workers’ organizations, and fosters social dialogue to address labor challenges in key Colombian ports. The project ran from 2020 to 2025 and focused on creating sustainable solutions to improve labor conditions and minimize disruptions in critical global supply chains.

Ecuador’s banana and cut flower industries supply major global markets, including the United States, which buys 43% of the country’s cut flower exports and about 15% of its bananas. Both sectors, however, have a significant prevalence of child labor and forced labor, and labor standards are weakly enforced. Through the U.S. Department of Labor AgroJusto project, Partners of the Americas worked to eradicate child labor and forced labor and promote labor rights across these two supply chains. The project aimed to strengthen local governments’ capacity to enforce labor laws, raise workers’ awareness of their rights, and improve access to remedies for violations.

Women in Mexico’s workforce face workplace harassment, low pay, and limited representation in union leadership. These barriers constrain both their economic security and their voice in shaping working conditions. Through this Department of Labor-funded program, Partners of the Americas increased women’s leadership in unions, strengthened safeguards against harassment and abuse, and advocated for fair wages and compliance with minimum labor standards. The project worked with civil society organizations, women workers, unions, and employer associations, and integrated women’s labor rights into existing labor programs, funded by the U.S. Department of Labor.