CNFA^® is dedicated to increasing and sustaining rural incomes in less developed areas of the world by empowering farmers and rural entrepreneurs. We believe the best way to do this is to develop value-adding agricultural enterprises and to link farmers to markets where they can buy supplies and sell their products. CNFA^® focuses on commercial activity, locally defined needs, and leveraged investment in order to foster the economic empowerment of rural residents and enterprises all along the food value chain—from farmers to local suppliers and processors, to larger companies, financial institutions, and distributors and exporters.

We know that market information, improved technology, and access to credit are critical for enterprises to grow and to recognize economic opportunities and risks. In our programs, we address the entire food value chain, mobilizing American farmers and other agricultural experts to deliver our programs. Our projects are carefully designed combinations of technical assistance, training, limited matching grants, and maximum use of local expertise—all leading to replicable models for development.