The Tropical Forest Alliance (TFA) and UpLink launch the Tropical Forest Commodities Challenge, calling for solutions for systemic change in commodity supply chains that rely on deforestation free practices. Solutions should deliver benefits to the global environment, while also ensuring sustainable livelihoods. Submissions may either be existing solutions with tracked success, or new entrepreneurial ideas. The best 10-20 submissions will be invited to a 4-month cohort program by Tropical Forest Alliance as part of the World Economic Forum. Submissions are being accepted until 27 August 2021. Tropical Forest Commodities Challenge
Category: Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry
The U.S. Department of Labor announces the availability of approximately US$5 million to fund one technical assistance project in South America to strengthen decent work in the fishing sector. The duration of the project will be a maximum of 4.5 years (54 months). The following organizations are eligible to apply: Nonprofits, Institutions of Higher Education, For-Profit Organizations, and Non-US Entities. The closing date for applications is 30 September 2021. Link
The United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) invites Expressions of Interest for the Agritech Challenge 2021 to co-create or adapt solutions for smallholders farmers. Solutions must focus on key challenges of small farmers in Kenya, Malawi, Uganda, Zambia in Africa and India, Indonesia, Malaysia in Asia. The program invites applications from start-ups with solutions that are addressing low productivity, climate risk, or inefficient supply chain challenges and are interested to pilot their solution in one of the seven participating countries. Applicants must submit a complete application form before 30 August 2021. UNCDF Agritech Challenge
The Agrobiodiversity Innovation Challenge seeks new products, services, and best practices that can help farmers, consumers, and food companies to increase production while conserving agrobiodiversity. Two selected winners will receive US$5 thousand, mentorship and technical assistance. Applicants must be individuals, private companies, or institutions responsible for an innovation with a demonstrated efficiency to enhance and promote sustainable food and agriculture. The submission deadline is 30 September 2021. More information
Silicon Valley Global Ventures is an investment, technology and advisory firm that invests in companies that go through their accelerator program. The THRIVE LATAM Challenge seeks innovative solutions specifically designed for the Latin American agrifood industry. SVG Ventures will select the best startups and scale-ups for investment. The winner will participate in the Silicon Valley Startup Bootcamp and have the opportunity to pitch their idea in front of global investors. The challenge is open to agri food companies in Latin America. The application deadline is 02 December 2021. Link to THRIVE LATAM
The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) seeks international organizations to receive a three-year IFAD grant financing to implement the project: Digital Advisory Services to Support Accelerated Rural Transformation for a total amount of up to US$2 million. Goal is the sustainable integration of proven ICT4D solutions that can improve the economic and social conditions of the rural poor, including women and youth. Deadline to receive proposals is 13 August 2021. However, interested institutions are requested to confirm their intention to submit a proposal by 28 July 2021. Find the call
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) seeks to improve the capacity to anticipate and mitigate the negative impacts of animal diseases, zoonosis, climate change, and disasters for healthy and productive animal populations and increased access to regional and international markets for African animals and animal products. USDA will provide technical agricultural assistance in support of national and regional technical training, research, and outreach programs. USDA will grant one cooperative agreement of US$1 million to implement the new Animal Health Strategy for Africa (AHSA). Eligibility extends to non-profit organizations and institutions of higher education. The closing date for applications is 13 August 2021. Link
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) seeks to support applied research to better understand the supply chain and market system for poultry and eggs in Tanzania. The recipient will collaborate with FAS to organize and conduct survey interviews with a representative pool of professionals. USDA will grant one cooperative agreement of US$180 thousand to conduct research and data collection. Eligibility extends to non-profit organizations and institutions of higher education. The closing date for applications is 16 August 2021. Link
The Blue Economy Accelerator focuses on Blue economy startups from Africa. The program is designed to support women and youth-owned, ocean-based enterprises to sustain business growth through facilitating access to financing, business support, and technology adoption. The program will secure investment from a pre-selected pool of investors focusing on early stage funding of up to US$500 thousand. The application window will close on 29 August 2021. Blue Economy Accelerator
The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) announces the third round of National Calls for Proposals (MOROCCO) 2021: supporting remittances in times of crisis in Africa. IFAD seeks to reduce poverty and promote development by leveraging both international and domestic remittances and migrant capital in rural areas of developing countries. Regional proposals can request grants from €150 thousand up to €500 thousand. The following types of institutions can apply: private sector entities, for-profit entities, or non-profit organizations. The deadline for submission of proposals is 13 September 2021. National Calls for Proposal (Morocco)