Apply for the USDA Cochran Fellowship Program (Fully Funded to the USA)

Deadline:   1 November 2024.

The USDA Foreign Agricultural Services (FAS) has announced the opening of the Cochran Fellowship Program (CFP) exchange opportunity focusing on Food Safety Standards 2025. The Cochran Fellowship Program offers 2-3 weeks of training in U.S. agriculture for individuals in both the public and private sectors interested in learning about food safety standards and regulations.

In collaboration with the University of Tennessee, the CFP will host a two-week training course on U.S. food safety regulations. This will allow fellows to learn about science-based safety measures recognized internationally and enhance their understanding of the U.S. regulatory system. Fellows will also interact with U.S. producers, regulatory agencies, associations, and companies, observing how the public and private sectors collaborate.

Program Objectives

This fellowship aims to strengthen fellows’ knowledge of U.S. food safety regulations and align their home countries’ systems with international standards. The ultimate aim is to promote U.S. food safety standards while enhancing global food security and increasing participation in the international trade system.

Training Themes: Key topics include but are not limited to:

• U.S. food safety regulations: Traceability, risk-based assessment, and agency roles (FDA, APHIS, EPA, FSIS)
• Responses to international trade agreements (WTO, SPS, TBT)
• Implementation of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA)
• Risk assessment in food processing, handling, and transport
• Good agricultural practices and laboratory standards
• Responses to foodborne illness and food safety audits

Application Requirements

• Completed application form (unaltered)
• Copies of diplomas for degrees earned
• Copy of passport ID page

Click Here to Apply