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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Cochran Fellowship Program? The Cochran Fellowship Program (CFP) provides U.S.-based agricultural training opportunities for 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 and policy, agribusiness development, management, animal, plant, and food sciences, extension services, agricultural marketing, and many other areas.
What is the Program’s purpose? The objectives of the Cochran Fellowship Program 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.
What is included in a Fellowship? The Cochran Fellowship Program (CFP) offers short-term training opportunities, most ranging from 1-3 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. The CFP works closely with USDA's Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) and 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 is approved which directly enhances a country's ability to export goods in competition with the United States.
How long is a Fellowship? The Cochran Fellowship Program (CFP) offers short-term training opportunities, most ranging from 1-3 weeks, depending on the objectives of the program.
Are training opportunities only located in the United States? Yes, Cochran Fellows are sent to the best available training provider located within the United States.
How is the training developed? 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 partial 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.
What subject matter is covered by the Program? FAS works closely with CFP and U.S. agricultural trade and market development associations to identify potential areas of training for countries participating in the program. Ultimately, CFP works to customize trainings to the specific interests of selected participants within the scope of training identified by FAS.
Which countries participate in the program?

The CFP provides training for fellows from middle-income countries, emerging markets and emerging democracies.

 

Africa & Middle East: Afghanistan, Algeria, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Iraq, Jordan, Kenya, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda

 

Asia: Bangladesh, China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam


Eastern Europe & Eurasia: Armenia, Bulgaria, Croatia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Macedonia, Moldova, Serbia, Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan


Latin America & Caribbean: Argentina, Brazil, Caribbean Islands, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Venezuela
How does one apply for a fellowship? Contact the FAS overseas office in your home country and enquire about currently available opportunities. If they are currently recruiting candidates that match your technical background, they will provide you with application materials.
Can U.S. citizens apply? No.
Must I speak English to qualify for the Program? Participants proficient in the oral and written usage of the English language are preferred.
What is the selection criteria used in reviewing applicants? Final approval of candidates will be made by a USDA committee, chaired by the Cochran Fellowship Program Director, on the basis of candidate’s qualifications, FAS Officer recommendations, an interview, and country specific training needs.
May I bring my family along with me to the Cochran training? Family members are discouraged from accompanying or joining a participant while he/she is in training. The Program does not fund any expenses related to family members accompanying the participant and is not responsible in any way for family members.
How can I get more information?

More information is available by contacting your FAS overseas office or by contact the CFP office directly at:

Cochran Fellowship Program

1400 Independence Ave., SW

Room 3239, STOP 1031

Washington, DC 20250-1031

Fax. (202) 690-0349

CochranFellowship@fas.usda.gov

 
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