The below is attributable to Spokesperson Jessica Jennings:
Today, Administrator Samantha Power spoke with Cargill CEO Brian Sikes to discuss potential areas of collaboration in support of USAID’s efforts to bolster democratic bright spots, support farmers in Ukraine in response to Russia’s full-scale invasion of the country, and galvanize action on climate-smart food systems.
Administrator Power highlighted USAID’s initiative to surge U.S. government and private sector attention and resources to countries advancing democratic reforms around the world. Administrator Power and Mr. Sikes discussed opportunities for Cargill to support this effort in Ecuador.
Administrator Power highlighted the Agency’s Agriculture Resilience Initiative-Ukraine (AGRI-Ukraine), which strengthens Ukrainian agricultural production and exports and helps alleviate the global food security crisis exacerbated by Putin’s war against Ukraine. They discussed ways in which USAID could support Cargill’s efforts in Ukraine, particularly in complementary areas such as digital apps that help farmers obtain critical finance support for sowing. Administrator Power and Mr. Sikes also explored opportunities for Cargill to join with other private sector partners in the Agriculture Innovation Mission for Climate (AIM4C) that is driving private sector investments in climate-smart food systems.