Through this call, the organisers expect to $10-$20 million USD in award funding, with individual awards between $300,000 USD and $1,500,000 USD.  The period of performance for individual awards is up to three years; the actual period of performance for each award will be determined at the time of award. The Call for Proposals document can be downloaded below, and more detailed information is available on the website: http://www.poweringag.org/  

Applications are being accepted from 15 January until 6 February 2013 (17:00 US eastern standard time).

Powering Agriculture: An Energy Grand Challenge for Development is a programme designed to link renewable energy technologies with farmers and agribusinesses in low-income countries.  Increasing their access to clean energy solutions will enable farmers to increase production of fruit, vegetables, meat and dairy products, add value to commodities through processing and extend the shelf-life of fresh produce by storing it in refrigerated containers. These advancements will lead to more food in the market and higher incomes for farmers.

This program will be implemented worldwide, providing grant funding and technical assistance to organizations, small businesses, and academic institutions that propose innovative, viable approaches to increasing clean energy access among agricultural communities.  The program will also work closely with local enterprises that design and sell clean energy technologies – to help them reach new markets and grow their businesses.