History

The Farmer-to-Farmer Program was initially authorized by Congress in the 1985 Farm Bill and funded through Title V of Public Law 480. The program is designated as the "John Ogonowski and Doug Bereuter Farmer-to-Farmer Program" in honor of one of the pilots killed September 11, 2001 and of former Congressman Bereuter, who initially sponsored the program.

Since 1985, more than 22,000 Farmer-to-Farmer volunteers have supported over 180 million people by providing technical assistance in 116 countries. Today, the program continues to be funded through the U.S. Farm Bill, administered by USAID, and implemented by U.S.-based NGOs.

About Doug Bereuter

The Honorable Doug Bereuter was elected to the U.S. Congress in 1978 and served the 1st Congressional District of Nebraska for over 25 years until 2004. A fifth-generation Nebraskan, former Congressman Bereuter was a member of the House Select Committee on Hunger. He is remembered for his global hunger and agriculture initiatives.

About John Ogonowski 

John Ogonowski is remembered for his dedication to his family, community, extensive agriculture advocacy, and his international work assisting immigrant farmers from Cambodia. John was the pilot of American Airlines Flight 11 that crashed into the World Trade Center in New York City on September 11, 2001. Mr. Ogonowski is fondly remembered by his home community in Massachusetts and the Tufts University New Entry Sustainable Farming Project.

About USAID

USAID leads international development and humanitarian efforts to save lives, reduce poverty, strengthen democratic governance and help people progress beyond assistance. President John. F. Kennedy created the United States Agency for International Development by executive order in 1961 to lead the US government’s international development and humanitarian efforts.

About the U.S. Farm Bill

Every five years, Congress passes legislation that sets national agriculture, nutrition, conservation, and forestry policy, commonly referred to as the Farm Bill. The John Ogonowski and Doug Bereuter Farmer-to-Farmer program is authorized by Congress in Title III-Trade, Subtitle A – Food For Peace Act.