The Food for Progress Program Notice of Funding Opportunity Fiscal Year 2026 provides for the donation of U.S. agricultural commodities to developing countries and emerging democracies committed to introducing and expanding free enterprise in the agricultural sector. Commodities are generally sold on the local market, and the proceeds support agricultural development activities. The program is administered by the Foreign Agricultural Service under Assistance Listing 10.606. Total program funding is $226,000,000, with approximately 7 awards expected. Award amounts range from a minimum of $28,000,000 to a maximum of $35,000,000. Funding instruments are cooperative agreements, and cost sharing or matching is not required.

Program Objectives

Per the Food Security Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C. § 1736o(d)), the Food for Progress Program pursues six specific objectives:

• Access, on the part of farmers in the country, to private, competitive markets for their products;
• Market pricing of eligible commodities to foster adequate private sector incentives to individual farmers to produce food on a regular basis for the country’s domestic needs;
• Establishment of market-determined foreign exchange rates;
• Timely availability of production inputs (such as seed, fertilizer, or pesticides) to farmers;
• Access to technologies appropriate to the level of agricultural development in country; and
• Construction of facilities and distribution systems necessary to handle perishable products.

These objectives support two high-level strategic goals: increasing agricultural productivity and expanding trade of agricultural products (domestically, regionally, and/or internationally). The program aims to enhance the competitiveness of American agricultural markets while promoting private sector engagement and encouraging innovation in emerging markets.

Eligibility

In accordance with the Food for Progress Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C. § 1736o), the following entities are eligible applicants (see 7 CFR 1499.2 for definitions):

• The government of an emerging agricultural country
• An intergovernmental organization
• A private voluntary organization
• A nonprofit agricultural organization or cooperative
• A nongovernmental organization
• A college or university
• Any other private entity

Application Process

Applicants must submit proposals through Grants.gov. The full announcement, including detailed instructions on how to apply, access to the Food Aid Information System, weekly responses to questions, and other important information, is available in the related documents on Grants.gov. The funding opportunity number is USDA-FAS-FOOD-FOR-PROGRESS-PROGRAM-26-00.

Deadline and Timeline

Closing Date: July 6, 2026

Posted Date: May 21, 2026

Archive Date: August 5, 2026

Applicants are encouraged to review all amendments and Q&A documents posted on Grants.gov before submitting a proposal.

Contact Information

Grantor Contact: Ingrid Ardjosoediro, Food for Progress Director, International Food Assistance Division

Phone: 202-720-2637

Email: Ingrid.Ardjosoediro@usda.gov