The John Ogonowski and Doug Bereuter Farmer-to-Farmer Program, funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), aims to promote sustainable improvements in food security and agricultural processing, production, and marketing by leveraging the expertise of U.S. volunteers.

ACDI/VOCA seeks a specialist in Hybrid Corn Production for a Volunteer Assignment in Georgia. The selected Volunteer will collaborate with the host to review current corn production systems and provide training on factors limiting yield and profitability.  The ideal volunteer needs corn production experience in both organic and conventional production systems. Knowledge of high-producing conventional and hybrid non-GMO varieties is an asset, as indeed, hybrid corn varieties often produce the highest yields. ​​​​ 

***As part of the Farmer-to-Farmer Consortium, this assignment is made possible through USAID funding. In accordance to USAID guidelines, any candidates submitted for consideration under this project must have a valid US passport or Green Card.***

This is a 2-week assignment, scheduled for April/May 2024. 

Provisions for the Volunteer:

• All international and local travel
• All lodging
• A per diem to cover meals and incidentals
• Travel Visa (if applicable)
• Emergency Medical Evacuation Insurance
• In-country support from field office staff
• Local cell phone to use during assignment (if needed)

While in-country, the Volunteer will:

• Visit corn fields to observe production problems and offer solutions
• Assess the potential risk of future corn production problems at each site visited
• Lecture on corn variety selection, planting timing including population optimization, irrigation management, corn nutrition, and weed, insect, and disease control
• Discuss corn plant nutrition using pictures of nutrition deficiency symptoms
• Provide materials that assist in management scheduling, such as calendars and spreadsheets 

• University degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, or a related field
• At least 5 years relevant work experience
• Practical experience growing vegetables in a greenhouse
• Excellent cross-cultural communication and interpersonal skills
• Previous international experience a plus
• Proficient computer skills including Microsoft Teams, Word, Excel and apps like Zoom, WhatsApp, Facebook Etc.