Charles Williams from North Carolina Reflects on Joining CNFA Ambassador Program

During one of his first volunteer assignments with Farmer-to-Farmer (F2F) in Moldova, farmer and agricultural consultant Charles “Bruce” Williams found himself snowed in and sheltering in place with Moldovan agronomist, Claudia, for several days. While neither spoke the other’s language, Williams says they learned to communicate and formed a strong bond and a friendship that has lasted many years.

Over a period of two decades, he has forged similar relationships with many individuals across his fifty-five assignments with F2F in twenty different countries. This year, he has chosen to use that experience to give others the opportunity to build similar close friendships by bringing more volunteers to the program as a F2F Ambassador. As part of the Ambassador program, Williams and five other ambassadors are encouraging more first-time volunteers to join F2F by providing information on the benefits of the program to their personal and professional networks.

The U.S. Agency for International Development John Ogonowski and Doug Bereuter Farmer-to-Farmer (F2F) Program (2018–2023), implemented by Cultivating New Frontiers in Agriculture (CNFA) in Southern Africa and Moldova sends U.S. volunteer experts on overseas technical assignments to offer citizens’ diplomacy and hands-on training, strengthening the work of communities, cooperatives, agribusinesses, and educational institutions.

As an ambassador and a farmer with over 40 years of experience in agronomy, horticulture and pest management, Williams is connecting with educational institutions, businesses and social groups, namely Rotary Clubs, in his area to highlight the benefits of volunteering with F2F.

“I was an active Rotarian for many years. Rotary is a wonderful organization that shares many values with those of the F2F Program,” explains Williams. He hopes those similar values capture Rotarians’ interest in the program and encourage them to volunteer.

He also is speaking to baccalaureate business programs and social clubs for local retirees, noting that the unique perspectives of youth and retired experts would enrich the program, and many would make exceptional volunteers.

“F2F is a great program and an easy sell to prospective volunteers.” Williams remarks, “Through F2F, volunteers increase their awareness of the world and improve their personal and business skills.”

“Just to be a part of F2F is a thrill,” he concludes, “I am humbled and honored to advocate for the F2F Program implemented by CNFA.”