By Gabriel Ani
WASHINGTON, (chatnewstv.com) — The United States will provide $40 million to a leading international crop research center to develop drought- and heat-tolerant wheat and corn varieties and strengthen early warning systems for crop diseases, the State Department said Tuesday, framing the move as part of the Trump administration’s “America First” approach to foreign assistance.
The funding will support the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center, whose scientists are working on climate-resilient staple crops and resource-efficient farming innovations intended to benefit U.S. producers and global food markets.
“A robust and resilient agriculture sector is essential to domestic prosperity, global market stability, and American competitiveness,” the State Department said in a media note, adding that the investment aims to “deliver measurable results for the American people and the broader food and agricultural economy.”
Officials said the partnership with CIMMYT will help strengthen U.S. agricultural supply chains and reduce exposure to global shocks while reinforcing U.S. leadership in agricultural innovation.
The announcement comes as Washington emphasizes food system resilience and export competitiveness under its America First foreign assistance framework, which seeks to align overseas spending with domestic economic gains.
