The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has said it will provide Peru with about US$60 million to support alternative development programs and reforestation works to fight against illicit coca cultivation and illegal logging.
"We will earmark about US$60 million mainly for biodiversity conservation and alternative development programs for cocoa and coffee farmers in Peru, USAID/Peru Deputy Mission Director, Ted Gehr told Andina news agency.
The U.S. official pointed out that the alternative development program involves technical assistance to farmers, with the aim to guarantee a better quality in the cultivation of cocoa and coffee.
"With this [funding], we support those farmers who used to grow illicit coca, and now have a better lifestyle with cocoa and coffee [cultivation]," he added.
Likewise, Gehr noted that this task is supported by the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation (MINAGRI), the National Commission for Development and Life without Drugs (Devida), regional governments, and farmers' associations.
USAID provide considerable funds in health and education programs as well as in the decentralization of functions of the Amazon governments.