One of the initial projects will be to fortify rice with DSM-supplied micronutrients, something DSM has already been engaged in via the World Food Program (WFP).
DSM and USAID – a US federal agency – said childhood nutrition would be a focus of the alliance.
"We are witnessing an unparalleled opportunity right now for innovative, large-scale private sector partnerships to achieve significant impact on global hunger and nutrition,” said USAID administrator Rajiv Shah.
“USAID is proud to build this new partnership with DSM, the world's largest manufacturer of micronutrients and vitamins. Together we can improve childhood nutrition in countries that depend on rice as a staple crop."
Improved nutritional value
Other initiatives include meeting nutrition objectives as part of the Feed the Future and 1000 Days program which aims to improve the nutrition in the first 1000 days of undernourished infants living in the developing world.
They will also assist countries to jumpstart the Scaling Up Nutrition Road Map and DSM assist USAID's Office of Food For Peace work in improving, “nutritional value, quality, shelf life, and methods for testing food aid commodities.”
“DSM and USAID expect to leverage their respective competencies, expertise, products and services to support collaborative activities focused on meeting the micronutrient needs of populations in the developing world,” DSM said in a statement.
Chief executive officer and chairman of the DSM Managing Board, Feike Sijbesma, added: "Building on our longstanding and successful collaboration with the United Nation's World Food Programme (WFP) we look forward to working closely with USAID. Together we can reach even more people to further combat hidden hunger. DSM has been playing an active role in the fight against micronutrient deficiencies for many years, contributing scientific know-how and technical expertise to help improve the nutritional status of people in need. Our innovative solutions range from staple food fortification to tailor-made products for specific target groups. This collaboration with USAID shows our deep commitment to public-private partnerships as a key element in dealing with nutritional challenges in the developing world. "
USAID is engaged in development assistance in over 80 countries world-wide and distributes approximately $14 billion in foreign assistance yearly.
DSM nutrients include Nutririce – a fortified rice kernel created from broken rice kernels, and MixMe, a micronutrient powder for home fortification that has been adopted through WFP and other agencies in emergencies worldwide.