U.S. Department of Agriculture Food for Progress and RTI support agricultural development project to promote U.S. technologies in Ethiopia

The project seeks to increase sunflower yields by leveraging American technology, strengthening local farmer capacity, and improving access to finance

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. — RTI International, an independent scientific research institute, has been awarded a five-year contract by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to support the Food for Progress Ethiopia project. The project will be funded through the monetization of 58,000 metric tons of U.S. wheat, generously provided by U.S. farmers. 

Food for Progress is administered by USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service to support agricultural development in target countries while aligning with American foreign policy goals. RTI works with partners to deliver cost-efficient, innovative solutions in the U.S. and around the world and will collaborate with Dimagi, the American Chamber of Commerce – Ethiopia, Corteva Agriscience, John Deere, PepsiCo Foods and Samanu Oil Processing to implement this project.

“RTI is proud to partner with USDA to create markets for U.S.-produced commodities and agricultural technology that improve global food security and advance U.S. safety, security and prosperity,” said Tracy Mitchell, RTI director of agriculture. “We are honored to extend U.S. agricultural markets to Ethiopia, supporting farmers with Corteva seed and John Deere equipment to boost sunflower production and drive agricultural growth.”

With rising demand for edible oils, driven by urbanization and shifting consumer preferences, Ethiopia is focused on improving local oilseed production. The new project targets Ethiopia’s underdeveloped sunflower sector using a U.S.-led value chain approach that benefits the U.S. and Ethiopia. By increasing U.S. agribusiness sales, the project will increase American prosperity while also advancing pro-U.S. policies and reducing trade barriers for U.S. commodities.

Learn more about RTI’s work in food security and agriculture

About Food for Progress: The USDA Food for Progress Program helps developing countries and emerging democracies modernize and strengthen their agricultural sectors. Food for Progress has two principal objectives: to improve agricultural productivity and to expand trade of agricultural products. For more information, visit www.fas.usda.gov/programs/food-progress.