The US Department of Agriculture has confirmed it will purchase around 417,000 tonnes of US-grown commodities for two international aid programmes in the 2025 fiscal year.
The McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program is set to receive $240 million, funding 56,170 tonnes of packaged goods for school meal schemes in Benin, Honduras, Mozambique, Pakistan, and Senegal. This marks a 50% increase on last year’s allocation.
A further $240 million will go to the Food for Progress programme. This will cover 361,000 tonnes of US commodities for sale in markets including Colombia, Ethiopia, Kenya, Vietnam, Nigeria, and Nepal. The proceeds will fund agricultural, economi,c and infrastructure projects aimed at strengthening trade links. The volume represents a 12% rise compared to 2024.
The measures follow a year of uncertainty for US producers, driven by shifting trade policies and the absence of fresh commodity orders from China, traditionally the largest buyer of American crops such as soybeans. The latest USDA allocation has offered some reassurance to growers concerned about slowing demand and reduced government-backed initiatives.
Congress provided funding for these purchases and must be used before the close of the 2025 fiscal year on 30 September.