press releases 2007

Proceeds of U.S. Wheat Donation To Lebanon To Be Used To Help Lebanese Farmers

October 2, 2007

Today, U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Jeffrey D. Feltman participated in the signing ceremony between the Government of Lebanon, represented by the Minister of Economy and Trade, Dr. Sami Haddad, and three nongovernmental organizations -- ACDI/VOCA; Arc En Ciel, and INMA/SRI International.  Working as partners with the Government of Lebanon, these organizations will assist farmers in improving their products and increasing their incomes.  This program is funded by the proceeds of the sale of 25,000 metric tons of wheat.  The wheat was brought here by the U.S. Department of Agriculture as a gift from the American people and then sold on the open market.  The proceeds came to $4.75 million.

During the ceremony, Ambassador Feltman noted in his speech that “today is a celebration of a successful partnership between the American and Lebanese people, and the close cooperation and support of the Ministry of Economy and Trade and the farmers cooperatives.”  Ambassador Feltman also emphasized that the U.S. “believes in the agricultural potential in Lebanon and is pleased to work with farmers in building a prosperous future for Lebanon.”

Read the Ambassador's remarks.