Tuesday, September 26, 2006
$7.8 million to revitalise Iraq's agriculture
Agriculture
Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns on Monday announced $7.8 million in extension funds to revitalise Iraq’s agriculture. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is requesting proposals from U.S. land-grant institutions to strengthen agricultural extension and training at Iraqi agricultural universities. Johanns said USDA is providing USDA staff as needed in Iraq and is working to develop agricultural credit training there.
The Iraq Agricultural Extension Revitalisation Project will provide extension training programs for Iraqi nationals. The project goal is to assist in restoring and expanding a sustainable agriculture sector in Iraq that includes effective extension service based on education and research. Iraq’s agricultural sector is the second largest contributor to the national economy and employs one-quarter of its workforce.
The Iraq Agricultural Extension Revitalisation Project will provide extension training programs for Iraqi nationals. The project goal is to assist in restoring and expanding a sustainable agriculture sector in Iraq that includes effective extension service based on education and research. Iraq’s agricultural sector is the second largest contributor to the national economy and employs one-quarter of its workforce.
