On July 13, Secretary of State Blinken took to social media to announce that the Vision for Adapted Crops and Soils (VACS) program will receive $100M in funding. VACS aims to enhance African agriculture through soil mapping, climate-resilient crops, and building a resilient food system.

"The two most important things for sustainable food production capacity: soil and seeds. Today, we highlight $100M in the beginnings of an important step that provides for those essentials," U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a recent Twitter Post.

"The two most important things for sustainable food production capacity: soil and seeds. Today, we highlight $100M in the beginnings of an important step that provides for those essentials," Secretary of State Antony Blinken said, according to a recent announcement on Twitter. The Vision for Adapted Crops and Soils (VACS) program, which has received this substantial financial award fo 100 Million dollars in government funding from the Department of State Office of Global Food Security, is set to play a pivotal role in building a more resilient food system and rejuvenating African soils.

VACS will prioritize the African continent as its initial focus, striving to enhance agricultural practices through comprehensive soil mapping and analysis. According to the project homepage, by promoting improved farm management techniques and devising strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of drought, the program aims to fortify the agricultural landscape. Additionally, VACS will foster the development of crop varieties that exhibit resilience against climate change, pests, extreme weather conditions, and unpredictable rainfall patterns.

According to the Office of Global Food Security, one of the critical elements in sustainable development is the availability of detailed soil maps. Unfortunately, numerous regions lack these crucial resources. Rebuilding soil health necessitates employing various measures, such as crop rotations, the incorporation of plant residue, and judicious use of fertilizers. Moreover, the insufficient investment in climate-resilient plant breeding has resulted in an overreliance on a limited number of crop varieties, leading to malnutrition. To address these challenges and ensure the resilience and nutritional value of food systems, increased investments in plant breeding and an improved understanding of the impact of climate change on African crops are imperative.

The VACS program will unfold in three distinct phases. Phase 1 involves identifying the most essential crops for nutrition in Africa. Expert input will aid in creating a preliminary list of nutritious crops, which will subsequently be refined through consultations. The final catalog will serve as a vital reference point for policymakers and researchers alike.

Moving to Phase 2, the program will focus on assessing the impact of climate change on the identified crops. By leveraging expertise from various fields, climate and crop models will be analyzed to better comprehend the effects of temperature, water availability, and pests on crop production. Strategies will be devised to improve soil quality and enhance crop adaptability to changing climatic conditions.

In the final phase, Phase 3, VACS will aim to promote climate change adaptation for the identified crops. The insights gained from Phases 1 and 2 will guide research and investment strategies employed by policymakers and agricultural organizations. Additionally, diplomatic outreach efforts will be undertaken to raise awareness and secure further funding. The program is actively exploring financial mechanisms to support the successful implementation of Phase 3.

"With this assistance, we are continuing to support critical agricultural development programs. We are also committed to partnering with the international community on food security initiatives that lead to nutritious adapted crops and healthy soils for sustainable agriculture," Secretary Blinken said in an official press statement.