Montenegro, a Western Balkan country of approximately 630,000 which regained independence in 2006, has proven itself to be a true friend of the United States. As one of the newest members of NATO, it punches well above its weight in terms of its contributions to international and regional peace. The economic impact of the global COVID-19 pandemic, specifically on Montenegro’s primary industry, tourism, will place considerable challenges on the people of Montenegro. S&P Global has designated Montenegro as one of the countries “most vulnerable” to an economic slowdown due to the pandemic. While the preventative measures which were put in place to curb the spread of COVID-19 have been crucial to safeguarding the public’s health, the restrictions also significantly hindered the production of domestically grown food.

In an effort to support Montenegro’s continued western integration and partnership with the United States, Spirit of America and the US Embassy are working to meet the immediate needs of at-risk households with long-term support to rural development, economic growth, and entrepreneurship. Through the “Montenegro Seed Project 2020” we are securing agricultural supplies and seeds for village households to increase vegetable and grain production in the parts of the country where they are needed most. The additional produce will help meet the needs of the most vulnerable in these rural communities, while meaningfully promoting agricultural sustainability in the face of the disruptions to the regular normal farming calendar and commerce patterns.

With your help, Spirit of America will provide the agricultural supplies and seeds necessary to plant enough food to sustain over 150 families. These 150 families will, in turn, agree to provide a portion of the yield to support those in need within their communities to advance a communal neighborhood approach with participants.