USAID supports farmers

[NewsWhore]

USAID is making US$3 million available to small farmers as part of the 2008-2011 rural diversification plan. USAID-DR director Richard Goughnour said the funds would be made available through the Rural Diversification Fund. The plan's goals are to help small and medium-scale farmers enter the local and global markets by diversifying their products. Jesus de los Santos said that the project will allow farmers to make contact with different agricultural sectors and seeks to promote farming based on preserving the environment. Andres Van der Horst of the National Competitiveness Council said the project would help increase quality and would enhance farmers' access to new markets. Goughnour said that the DR's products have become less competitive in international markets, and that the DR as well as other nations now needed to find niche markets.

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