As the first step to modernizing corn production in Macedonia, the USAID Small Business Expansion Project, implemented by CARANA Corporation, launched its Grow More Corn initiative in 2013. The aim of this initiative is to create and sustain jobs, as well as increase incomes, along multiple closely related supply chains, such as those of corn, dairy and poultry.

By providing farmers with drip irrigation systems and educating them on how to improve their farming practices, they were able to increase their feed corn yields by about 50%. This simple improvement in their efficiency is enabling them to increase their profits and expand their businesses, stimulating growth in the dairy and poultry industries as a result.

The Grow More Corn initiative will continue to support farmers in Macedonia by promoting good agricultural practices that increase yields, save water and time, and reduce soil erosion.