The Challenge

Millions of farmers and agribusinesses in developing countries do not have access to the quality clean energy services necessary for them to maximize agricultural productivity and value.

To address this problem, USAID has partnered with the Government of Sweden and Duke Energy to create Powering Agriculture: An Energy Grand Challenge for Development. These Founding Partners, in consultation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC), and the African Development Bank (AfDB) are seeking ideas on how to integrate clean energy solutions within the agriculture sectors of developing countries.

Powering Agriculture encourages the development and deployment of clean energy technologies, supports the growth of businesses that work at the nexus of clean energy and agriculture, and attracts much needed private sector investment in this space. Ultimately, the program will expand farmers’ and farm–related businesses’ access to clean energy solutions for improving irrigation, value-added processing, cold storage, or other on-farm applications. This will enhance the incomes and economic opportunities of the networks farmers and associated businesses along agricultural supply chains, and help build profitable clean energy companies.

How can we find the clean energy solutions that will transform agriculture and empower farmers? By working with you. Be part of the Solution.

• Download and read the Powering Agriculture Call for Proposals.
• Direct any comments or questions you may have regarding the Call for Proposals to PoweringAg@usaid.gov. The deadline for submitting comments and questions is January 4, 2013.
• Applications for funding will be accepted January 15, 2013 through February 28, 2013. Please click the APPLY button to learn more about the application procedures.