WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), in partnership with the Swedish Government, Duke Energy Corporation, the German Government, and the Overseas Private Investment Corporation, announced the 12 organizations that will collectively receive $13 million in funding under Powering Agriculture: An Energy Grand Challenge for Development.  The awards will support innovative projects aimed at integrating clean energy technology into the agriculture sectors of developing countries.   

Selected from a pool of 475 applications – 55 percent from developing countries – the winning organizations will design and deploy market-based, clean energy solutions for agricultural production in developing countries. These technologies will enable farmers to increase production and the value of agricultural goods through a focus on improving irrigation, on-farm mechanization, agro-processing, and cold storage – all while bolstering low-carbon economic growth.  The winning innovators and the countries in which they will implement their projects are:

• iDE. International Development Enterprises -  Honduras, Nepal, and Zambia
• The Earth Institute at Columbia University -Senegal
• Camco Advisory Services – Benin and Tanzania 
• EarthSpark International - Haiti 
• ECO Consult - Jordan
• Motivo Engineering - India
• African Bamboo - Ethiopia 
• SunDanzer Refrigeration - Kenya
• Promethean Power Systems - India
• University of Georgia Research Foundation - Uganda
• REbound Technology -  Mozambique
• Experience International - Indonesia

“Powering Agriculture: A Grand Challenge for Development demonstrates how we can harness ingenuity and entrepreneurship to generate and scale real solutions in our fight to end extreme poverty. Joining a community of hundreds of innovators working across five different Grand Challenges, today's winning ideas prove that we can change the landscape of what is possible in development,” said USAID Administrator Rajiv Shah.

The announcement took place at a Development Exchange in Washington, D.C., where winners showcased their projects and discussed the impact they plan to achieve through the introduction of their new technologies in emerging markets.  The Development Exchange also comprised speeches by USAID Administrator Rajiv Shah, Ambassador of Sweden to the United States Bjorn Lyrvall, and African inventor Kelvin Doe.  Video messages were provided by thought leaders such as chef and social entrepreneur Jose Andres.

Powering Agriculture, launched in 2012, is a program designed to link renewable energy technologies with farmers and agribusinesses in low-income countries.  Increasing their access to clean energy solutions empowers farmers to produce more and better quality food and products, and move that food to more distant markets.  These advancements feed families, build businesses, and empower communities with affordable, sustainable, and market-based solutions.

To learn more about the Powering Agriculture Round 1 award winners go to: www.poweringag.org.