Urges State Department to replace Russian wheat shipment with American wheat; effort intended to introduce Iraqis to quality of U.S. grains

WASHINGTON, DC - On the heels of his congressional investigative trip to Iraq, U.S. Congressman Greg Walden (R-OR) has joined a number of House colleagues in writing to the State Department to encourage the inclusion of a shipment of American wheat to Iraq under the United Nations Oil for Food Program.  The wheat would replace 60,000 metric tons of Russian wheat currently prioritized for shipment to Iraq as part of 11 wheat contracts authorized by the U.N.  Walden and many of his colleagues are promoting deliveries of high quality American grains to Iraq both to assist the U.S. agriculture economy and to cultivate strong trade ties between the United States and post-Saddam Iraq. 

"I'm making this request in the hope that we'll get a foothold in the Iraqi grain market that will eventually open the door to increased shipments of Oregon wheat and barley to Iraq." said Walden.  "The liberation of Iraq gives us the opportunity to develop strong trade ties with the Iraqi people.  Moreover, international sales of Oregon agriculture products are essential to the economy of our state, and two of my highest priorities as a member of Congress are to help open up international markets for our products and advocate for fair trade policies that provide a level playing field for American producers.  Oregon farmers and ranchers produce some of the highest quality agriculture products in the world, and the more people we introduce to our products around the world, the stronger the agriculture economy will be back home."

American wheat is desired under the Oil for Food Program due to its distinct quality, which makes it suitable for blending with lower quality wheat grown in Iraq.  Delivery of American wheat with the Oil for Food shipment would enable the Iraqi Grain Board to qualify U.S.-grown wheat for blending with Iraqi wheat in 2004 and beyond.  Walden and his colleagues hope that the high quality of American wheat will persuade Iraqis to seek U.S. agriculture products in greater quantities in the future.

Walden visited Iraq between October 6-10 as part of a fact-finding congressional delegation made up of several members of Congress.  The delegation met with Ambassador Bremer and other officials of the Coalition Provisional Authority, in addition to Iraqi officials serving in recently established public offices.  Among the topics addressed during the trip were long-term economic development efforts and international trade between the United States and Iraq.

Walden will share this letter during an address to the annual gathering of the Mid Columbia Producers in Moro, where Walden will update members on his delegation trip to Iraq and highlight recent developments in Congress.

TO VIEW WALDEN'S LETTER TO THE U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT, CLICK ON THE FOLLOWING LINK:  http://walden.house.gov/press/releases/2003/10Oct/IraqWheatLetter1003.pdf.

TO OBTAIN A PHOTO OF WALDEN IN IRAQ, CLICK ON THE FOLLOWING LINK: http://walden.house.gov/photos/dc2003\dcoct03\IraqMelendez.jpg.

Congressman Walden represents the Second Congressional District of Oregon, which includes the 20 counties of central, southern and eastern Oregon.  He is a Deputy Whip and member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee and the House Committee on Resources.

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