speeches 2007

Remarks by U.S. Ambassador Jeffrey D. Feltman: Award Signing for Wheat; Grand Serail; Tuesday, October 2, 2007, 11h30

A year ago, Minister Haddad and I stood at the Port of Beirut to welcome a shipment of American wheat. The wheat was a gift from the American people, an investment in the future of Lebanon. Today, it is with great pleasure that I join the Minister again to distribute the fruits of that shipment.

The wheat, totaling 25,000 metric tons, was brought here by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and then sold on the open market. The proceeds came to $4.75 million, which the Government of Lebanon will use to strengthen agriculture throughout the country.

To put it simply, the wheat, grown by American farmers, now offers new opportunities to the farmers of Lebanon – a gift from one farmer to another.

Agriculture is an important industry in Lebanon. It is especially important for the jobs and money it can bring to rural areas. Farming is not an easy job – it is hard work requiring knowledge of the land, understanding of plant varieties and weather patterns, and, business skills.

After an intensive review process, a joint Lebanese/American committee chose three organizations to work with Lebanese farmers. I would like to acknowledge ACDI/VOCA, Arcenciel (French:  Arc en Ciel) and the INMA/SRI International partnership for their thoughtful proposals and the work they are about to undertake in the North, South and the Beka’a.  These organizations will work with farmers to increase the production and quality of alfalfa, corn and other animal feed crops and help sell them in local markets. Throughout Lebanon, these organizations will work improving the important apple, cherry and apricot crops.  Farmers will be trained in a variety of methods – everything from choosing new seeds to marketing the crops.  In the Akkar area, kiwi fruit and seedless grapes will be introduced.  These are luxury fruits and they will assist in increasing the value of Lebanon’s export markets.

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.

We all believe in the agricultural potential in Lebanon. The U.S. is pleased to work with the farmers in building a prosperous future for Lebanon.