![At the program launch, an expert panel discusses challenges and opportunities in farm input distribution. The panelists (from the left) are Belete Waqbeka, credit manager, Cooperative Bank of Oromia; Dr. Mitsial Kifleyesus, CEO, Ecopia; Gary Robbins, economic growth office chief, USAID; Chiyoge Sifa, director of cooperatives, Ethiopian Agriculture Transformation Agency; and Mekonnen Butta, chairman of the executive committee, Croplife Ethiopia. An expert panel discusses challenges and opportunities in farm input distribution.](https://2012-2017.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/styles/square_thumbnail/public/pressreleases/CFSP%20Launch%202-4-13%20054.jpg?itok=66J8mqpg)
USAID, under the U.S. Feed the Future Initiative, launched the Commercial Farm Service Program today in support of the Government of Ethiopia’s Agricultural Growth Plan (AGP). The new two year pilot project, implemented by CNFA, will provide grants and training to rural entrepreneurs, both men and women, to help create one wholesale and six retail farm service centers (FSCs) designed to meet the operational needs of farmers.
![Assistant Administrator for Africa Earl Gast and Africa Union Commission Deputy Chairperson Mwencha sign a letter signifying their organization's future collaboration to develop geothermal energy in East Africa. Assistant Administrator Earl Gast and Africa Union Commission Deputy Chairperson Mwencha sign implementation letter](https://2012-2017.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/styles/square_thumbnail/public/pressreleases/IMG_2696.jpg?itok=nS51T_ZF)
On January 29, U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Assistant Administrator for Africa Earl Gast and African Union Commission (AUC) Deputy Chairperson Erastus Mwencha signed a letter clarifying joint implementation and future collaboration on the development of geothermal energy in East Africa. The letter details the plan for geothermal development, capitalizing on opportunities offered by the AUC’s exploration program in East Africa’s geothermal potential.
![Farmers’ cooperative unions’ members from around the country gather in Addis Ababa. USAID provides technical assistance and training to benefit smallholders with improved agricultural inputs, creation of new value chains, and marketing. Farmers’ cooperative unions’ members from around the country gather in Addis Ababa.](https://2012-2017.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/styles/square_thumbnail/public/speech/09-18-2013/img7461.jpg?itok=fjYGz3mP)
I am pleased to represent the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the American people today at the 2nd Annual Ethiopian Commodity Exchange (ECX) - Cooperatives Forum, supported by USAID’s Agribusiness Market Development (AMDe) activity.
The U.S. Government, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), signed a memorandum of understanding with the Ethiopia Commodities Exchange (ECX) to collaborate on increasing the quality, traceability and marketing of coffee.
![USAID Ethiopia Mission Director addresses leaders from across Africa. USAID Ethiopia Mission Director addresses leaders from across Africa.](https://2012-2017.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/styles/square_thumbnail/public/speech/09-18-2013/md-closing-remarks.jpg?itok=-fxNf0FM)
Over three intense days we have seen how countries who have committed to reducing child mortality face great challenges and achieve progress by using proven cost–effective and high impact interventions, building health care delivery systems, working directly with and on the community level, investing in the education of girls and women, and by forging political will and determination. These improvements in maternal, infant, and child health are critical for overall development of nations.
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