The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) announced the inauguration of the Bishoftu Farm Service Center (FSCs), last Tuesday, December 17, 2013, Ethiopian Press Agency reported.

The Bishoftu Farm Service Center is the first of six such centers established to provide training to rural entrepreneurs and create Ethiopian-owned retail farm supply and service centers, according to the Ethiopian Press Agency.

Additional FSCs will also be opened in Ambo, Dodola, Fiche, Nekemte and Shashamane towns in the Oromia State.

These private, retail supply and farm service businesses will serve as innovative models in Ethiopia and throughout Africa.

In addition to a trained staff that provide services and training at each location, the FSCs also provide agricultural inputs, such as, quality seeds, fertilizer, plant protection products, and veterinary products, information and marketing links for Ethiopian smallholders, allowing them to transition from subsistence to commercial production, according to the Ethiopian Press Agency.

Implemented by CNFA, formerly the Citizens Network for Foreign Affairs, the USAID Commercial Farm Service Program provides grants and training to rural entrepreneurs, to create Ethiopian-owned retail farm supply and service centers.

The Commercial Farm Service Program is a two-year pilot activity of USAID supported by President Obama's Feed the Future Initiative.

Source: Ethiopian Press Agency