Since 1984, the U.S. Congress has made funds available to the CFP for training agriculturalists from middle-income countries, emerging markets and emerging democracies. Training opportunities are for senior and mid-level specialists and administrators working in agricultural trade, agribusiness development, management, policy and marketing from the public and private sectors. Individuals selected for Cochran trainings come from both the public and private sectors.  All training occurs in the United States. Training programs are designed and organized in conjunction with U.S. universities, USDA and other government agencies, agribusinesses, and consultants.  The Cochran Fellowship Program is implemented by the United States Department of Agriculture's Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS).  Since its inception in 1984, the Cochran Fellowship Program has provided U.S.-based training for over 14,300 international participants from 123­ countries worldwide.

Program Objectives

Program objectives are to provide high-quality training resulting in knowledge and skills that will:

(1) Assist eligible countries to develop agricultural systems necessary to meet the food and fiber needs of their domestic populations; and

(2) Strengthen and enhance trade linkages between eligible countries and agricultural interests in the United States.            

Training Focus

The Cochran Fellowship Program (CFP) offers short-term training opportunities, most ranging from 2-3 weeks depending on the objectives of the program. Participants meet with professionals in their fields, participate in field observations and industry visits, experience on-the-job training, attend university courses and seminars, or participate in a combination of the above.  CFP works closely with U.S. agricultural trade and market development associations to identify potential areas of training for countries participating in the Cochran Fellowship Program. Every effort is made to match U.S. agricultural interests with those of the recipient countries. No training, however, will be approved which directly enhances a country's ability to export goods in competition with the United States.

Training Program Design

Each training program reflects a philosophy that training should provide participants with sound technical knowledge and the opportunity to test and practice new skills and knowledge in practical situations. Therefore, most programs offer a mixture of technical instruction, practical field observations, and "hands-on" experience. Programs are specially designed in accordance with the training objectives discussed during interviews with candidates and the recommendations of the respective USDA/FAS Foreign Agricultural Affairs Officer.