Release No. 0314.15 Contact: Office of Communications (202)720-4623

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U.S., Ghana Announce Food for Progress Agreements to Increase Agricultural Productivity

ACCRA, Ghana, Nov. 17, 2015 – Deputy Agriculture Secretary Krysta Harden and Ghanaian Minister of Food and Agriculture Fifi Kwetey will announce two Food for Progress agreements today to support agricultural development and trade within Ghana's poultry sector.

"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 agreement with ACDI/VOCA targets producer groups and cooperators and works with those groups to improve feed quality and veterinary services. The agreement with the American Soybean Association focuses on educating producers about the importance of high-quality feed and improves the industry's capacity to test feed. The agreements are valued at $36.6 and $21.5 million, respectively and the projects will operate over five years.

USDA's Food for Progress Program helps developing countries modernize and strengthen their agricultural sectors. U.S. agricultural commodities are donated, sold on the local market and the proceeds are used to support agricultural, economic or infrastructure development programs.

The projects supported by these new agreements will help Ghanaian farmers improve the health and quality of their poultry flocks, increasing farm income and improving operational efficiencies. For more information about the Food for Progress Program, visit www.fas.usda.gov/programs/food-progress.

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