USDA Donates Rice, Flour

WASHINGTON =- Jul 12/06 - SNS -- The USDA will donate 6,900 metric tons (MT) of rice and 3,500 MT of wheat flour to the Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) for use in Mali.

AKF will sell the commodities in Mali and use the proceeds to support agriculture and rural development projects, including establishing cereal banks to guard against famine in food deficit areas, and to more effectively market output.

Other projects include developing small scale irrigation works for rice production, and developing related projects that improve productivity and market access. Proceeds will also be used for micro-finance loans, which will encourage small business development, vocational training, water and sanitation projects and capacity building for local non-governmental organizations.

The donation will be made under USDA's Food for Progress program, administered by the Foreign Agricultural Service. The supply period for this donation is fiscal year 2006.