Indiana Ag Connection - USAID Grants $60 Million for Co-op Development

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USAID Grants $60 Million for Co-op Development
Indiana Ag Connection - 10/19/2018

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) recently awarded $60 million over five years (2019-23) for the Cooperative Development Program (CDP). Ten U.S.-based cooperative organizations will share in the funding that promotes sustainability and self-reliance through local ownership using cooperatives as a proven business model.

Congress created the CDP in 1962 and the program continues to earn bi-partisan support. The CDP fuels the work of the Overseason Cooperative Development Council (OCDC) members in the areas of agriculture, finance and health. The program is unique in that it links U.S. cooperatives and their members to cooperatives in developing countries. A priority for the program is research and learning disseminating expertise in cooperatives and their development.

According to Paul Hazen, OCDC executive director, "The CDP is the only program within USAID that is focused on cooperatives and the program's impact has been significant, lifting millions of people from poverty by leveraging private funding to amplify public funds."

OCDC received $6.9 million in funding through the CDP for the Research Group to design and implement rigorous research of the impact and effectiveness of cooperatives in international development.

OCDC brings together organizations committed to building a more prosperous world through cooperatives. Its mission is to champion, advocate and promote effective and sustainable cooperative development. OCDC's members are Cooperative Resources International, Equal Exchange, Global Communities, HealthPartners, Land O'Lakes International, NCBA CLUSA, NRECA International and World Council of Credit Unions.

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