USDA commits $212 million to Food for Progress

 The U.S. Department of Agriculture has committed to $212 million in international aid under the Food for Progress program in fiscal year 2009.

   According to the USDA, the commodity donations from the program will help to support more than 7.5 million people in 13 countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East.

   Allocations announced Tuesday include more than 280,000 metric tons of U.S. wheat and wheat flour, soybean and vegetable oil, soybean meal and yellow corn that will be purchased on the U.S. market and donated by USDA.

   The USDA said the commodities would go to private voluntary organizations and overseas governments that will implement agricultural and rural development projects, while helping to address food shortages.

   Some of the largest allocations are:

   $24.7 million to International Relief and Development in Malawi for vegetable oil.

   $19.5 million to Aga Khan Foundation in Mali for wheat and vegetable oil.

   $18.1 million to Shelter for Life International in Afghanistan for wheat flour.

   $12.5 million to World Council of Credit Unions in Ethiopia for wheat.

   $12.3 million to the Dominican Republic government for wheat. 

Source:American Shipper