This week, partners are celebrating the Feed the Future Initiative and the passage of the Global Food Security Act by Congressional leadership. This important piece of legislation ensures that the United States’ historic commitments to global food security will be sustained into the next administration. These pledges date back to 2008, when President Bush made early commitments to respond to the triple threat of the global fuel, financial, and food price crisis. As President Obama stepped into office, he scaled up that early effort into one of the US government’s flagship programs: Feed the Future.

I spent last week in Nairobi, Kenya, at the Africa Green Revolution Forum and so I can say confidently: it is clear there is reason to celebrate. The theme of last week’s meeting was ‘Seize the Moment,’ impressing upon the global community that something indeed is happening on the continent—and there is an opportunity to consolidate and expand upon gains. There was a palpable feeling that if stakeholders press into this moment, there will be a very new reality for farmers and consumers in the next few decades.

The US government’s contributions were evident throughout the forum: not just in the thought leadership expressed from stages where USAID and OPIC participated, but in the halls surrounding the conference rooms. Dozens of organizations had booths depicting new products and rural business models, as well as scientific breakthroughs that are changing the very way farming is done. The vision of agricultural transformation they demonstrated was exciting: modern, mechanized, climate-smart, nutritious, inclusive of women and youth, and profitably connected to markets. And for so many of the organizations, USAID’s logo was proudly displayed as a key supporter. But the excitement wasn’t just about the ideas, it was also about the people. New voices are rising up to take the catalytic support they’ve received to go much further; new leaders are joining the ranks in both the private and public sectors every day.

Thankfully, in many Feed the Future countries, the trend lines are heading in the right direction:  agricultural productivity is increasing, and stunting and poverty are going down. The American public should be proud that they are a part of this story. However, they should not assume these impacts are solely the result of American generosity. Investing alongside governments and the private sector in emerging economies is a smart investment for a prosperous American future.  

And, the story is far from over. To borrow a metaphor from the agricultural world: the impact of US investment in agriculture is not yet fully hatched. In the coming decades, the African food and agribusiness sector will become increasingly attractive for investors, and trade between the United States and many of these places will grow faster than it already has—fostering economic growth in both directions. So, this week, as so many celebrate Feed the Future, let’s acknowledge the accomplishments of today: better nourished bodies and more cash in the pockets of people who need it. But at the same time, let’s also revel in the ‘Future’ and keep investing in the new story of prosperity being written, for emerging economies and for the United States.