View Rule

The Food for Progress Program provides for the donation of U.S. agricultural commodities to developing countries committed to introducing and expanding free enterprise in the agricultural sector. The commodities are monetized (sold on the local market); and the proceeds are used to support agricultural development activities. Food for Progress has two objectives: to improve agricultural productivity and expand trade in agricultural products.

FAS plans to publish a final rule with comments for the Food for Progress Program for purposes of:

(1) Adding U.S. public or non-profit colleges and universities as entities eligible for awards.

The Agency’s changes to 7 CFR part 1499 will enable it to foster greater competition in proposal submissions and provide an opportunity for more innovative projects to be considered. The changes are also essential to USDA’s mandate to implement the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018. In addition to including U.S. public or non-profit colleges and universities as entities eligible for awards, the Act also: (1) adds a $10 million per year pilot program, (2) amends the annual food aid report to include a rate of return for each eligible organization, and (3) changes the due date for the annual report of allocations to Congress to April 1.

The changes to 7 CFR part 1499 are not expected to have any significant impact on external parties.  No sensitive, controversial or precedent-setting changes are being proposed.