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21 March 2003

Text: U.S. Advances Food Assistance to Iraqi People

(USDA, USAID announce release of 200,000 tons of wheat) (520)
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Ann Veneman and U.S. Agency for
International Development Administrator Andrew Natsios have announced
release of 200,000 metric tons of food aid for the Iraqi people with
the promise of additional 400,000 tons as needed.
In a joint statement issued March 20, the U.S. officials said that the
assistance, part of which will be exchanged for rice, will arrive in
the Middle East within one month and be distributed once the situation
in Iraq is secure.
Following is the text of the joint release:
(begin text)
BUSH ADMINISTRATION AUTHORIZES HUMANITARIAN FOOD ASSISTANCE FOR
CITIZENS OF IRAQ
WASHINGTON, March 20, 2003 - The Bush Administration today authorized
the availability of urgent humanitarian food supplies for the people
of Iraq.
Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman and Agency for International
Development Administrator Andrew S. Natsios announced the immediate
release of 200,000 metric tons of wheat from the Bill Emerson
Humanitarian Trust, with another 400,000 tons to be made available as
needed. A portion of the wheat from the reserve will be exchanged for
rice, so that a combination of commodities will be available to feed
the people of Iraq.
"President Bush has assured the people of Iraq that they will have the
food and medicine they need," Veneman said. "Today's action is part of
a closely coordinated U.S. effort to prepare for the humanitarian
consequences of conflict and to ensure that the Iraqi people have the
help they need to attain freedom and prosperity in a liberated
nation."
"The United States is committed to ensuring that there is minimal
disruption to the Iraqi food distribution system. Today's donation
will go a long way to ensuring that the people of Iraq continue to
have access to food," said Natsios.
The first shipment of wheat is expected to begin moving next week, and
more wheat and rice will follow over the next several weeks. Another
400,000 tons will be available and shipped as needed. The commodities
will be provided through P.L. 480, Title II, the U.S. government's
major humanitarian food aid program administered by the U.S. Agency
for International Development, which has prepositioned water,
blankets, shelters, medical kits and other relief supplies to help the
people of Iraq.
The United States is working in close partnership with international
institutions and other nations as well as private voluntary
organizations to ensure the rapid delivery of humanitarian relief for
Iraq.
The Emerson Trust is an emergency reserve administered under the
authority of the Secretary of Agriculture. It is available for
humanitarian relief in developing countries, allowing the United
States to respond to unanticipated food crises. U.S. food aid programs
under Title II are currently fully allocated this fiscal year, and use
of the reserve will help ensure that sufficient commodities are
available to respond to needs in Iraq without affecting U.S. food aid
commitments elsewhere in the world. The reserve was reauthorized
through 2007 by the 2002 Farm Bill.
(end text)
(Distributed by the Office of International Information Programs, U.S.
Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)