News Americas, New York, NY, 25 September 2024: The US State Department has announced $5 million in food security assistance to Guatemala as part of the Vision for Adapted Crops and Soils (VACS) initiative.
Undersecretary for Economic Growth, Energy and Environment, José W. Fernandez, made the announcement during a session at the UN General Assembly. Joining him at the Roosevelt House Public Policy Institute at Hunter College were representatives from the Mutual Fund for Commodities and Cargill, who highlighted their efforts to support Guatemalan communities through VACS.
This $5 million contribution will improve sustainable agricultural practices in Guatemala under the US government’s Feed the Future initiative. The project will support local farmers by providing training on nutrient management practices aimed at improving soil health, fertility and crop diversity. In addition, farmers will be introduced to new agricultural technologies and innovations designed to increase resilience to climate change.
Collaborating with the Guatemalan government and international partners, this initiative aims to benefit 1.6 million people dependent on agriculture while addressing the chronic malnutrition that affects 47% of children under five in Guatemala.
Launched in 2023 to combat food insecurity in Africa, VACS has since expanded globally, including the Western Hemisphere. The initiative is part of the broader US strategy to reduce hunger through sustainable agricultural solutions, in collaboration with international bodies such as the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
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