Mizzou CAFNR International Programs

Congrats to our partners UMAP-Ghana as they expand collaborations in West Africa!

On November 21, 2025, in Accra, Ghana, TradeMark Africa (TMA) and the University of Missouri Assistance Program-Ghana (UMAP-Ghana) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on improving trade in West Africa.

The primary goal of this partnership is to transform Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) systems and strengthen quality infrastructure across the ECOWAS region.

Key objectives include:

· Improving food safety and modernizing inspection systems.
· Harmonizing SPS standards among ECOWAS member states.
· Reducing border delays and export rejections caused by SPS issues.
· Providing training and capacity building for regulators and laboratories.

This initiative is a significant step towards accelerating the implementation of major trade agreements like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and aims to build confidence in the safety and quality of goods traded within West Africa.

We are thrilled to be part of an important partnership to support growth in regional ag trade in West Africa with University of Missouri Assistance Program - Ghana and TradeMark Africa.
https://trademarkafrica.com/trademark-africa-and-umap-ghana-sign-mou-to-strengthen-sps-systems-and-facilitate-trade-across-ecowas/

MU CAFNR has been thrilled to work with ag leaders to promote agriculture among youth in central Mexico. Here is a story of one of those leaders, thanks to California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly):

Alumna Educates Youth on Agroecology Through USDA Fellowship in Mexico | College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences By Lauren McEwen (Agricultural Communication, ’25)

The USDA International Agriculture Education Fellows Program completed its 2024-25 school year.
MMizzou College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resourcescollaborated with UUniversidad Autónoma Chapingo - Oficialto host fellows in the State of Mexico, Mexico. Fellows collaborated with Chapingo students to implement 4-H activities to promote agriculture and leadership in local public middle schools.
Fellows were thrilled to meet Sec. Rollins and Deputy Admin Mark Slupek, and report back about their 10 months in country.
Thanks to the UU.S. Department of Agriculturefor this investment in ag and food security in the US and our top ag trade partner Mexico.