The Multilateral Investment Fund (FOMIN) and Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA), announce the launch of TECHNO-LINKS, a competitive challenge grant fund to expand commercial distribution of productivity-enhancing agricultural technologies suited to small farmers’ needs in Peru and Nicaragua. MEDA invites eligible organizations and firms to submit concept notes which address this interest. TECHNO-LINKS is supported by the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA).
The organizing agencies hereby announce the launch of the first round of submissions for the TECHNO-LINKS Project. The first round calls for agriculture technologies suppliers who have experience in the commercial distribution to farmers to submit full business plan proposals. Successful proposals will be awarded matching grants of between $30,000 and $60,000, covering up to 50% of the total eligible costs proposed. Support for business plan development will be available from TECHNO-LINKS consultants as needed.
Productivity-enhancing technologies of potential interest for TECHNO-LINKS include those that:
- Improve the efficiency and reduce the costs of production for small farmers
- Improve the profitability and competitiveness of small farmers in markets
- Improve the post-harvest process for small farmers for different types of crops
- Expand distribution points to ensure small farmers have improved access to agriculture technologies
- Adapt existing agriculture technology products to meet the needs of small farmers.
For more information about TECHNO-LINKS, key dates, FAQ and application forms: www.meda.org/techno-links
Interested organizations must submit their concept notes by October 16th to the following address: technolinks@meda.org
An introductory workshop will be held to clarify the project objectives and selection process on August 31st in Lima and September 7th in Managua. For more information about the location and time of the event please visit the project website or email technolinks@meda.org.
Applicants interested in attending the workshops must confirm their participation by sending an email to: technolinks@meda.org.