Food Security

Kirkuk Grain Silo Expansion; $900,000

This multi-government and private partnership funded project focused on expansion of the 1950s Russian built main grain terminal for Kirkuk Province, Iraq.

Revenues received from farmer payments for Emergency Feed Barley ($900,000) was used to expand the capacity of the Kirkuk Grain Silo from approximately 35 metric tonnes per hour to over 100 metric tonnes per hour.

These important upgrades allowed the Ministry of Trade-operated facility to quickly process locally grown wheat and distribute processed grains to flour mills and local markets. Quick processing and capacity expansion was important to assure that local grains were received, processed and marketed in the local province thereby improving prices received by farmers and promoting vertical integration within the province.

James worked as Senior Agriucultural Advisor for the Kirkuk Provincial Reconstruction Team, US Department of State and provided direct leadership to Kirkuk Ministry of Trade officials and engineers durng the Emergency Drought Relief, Feed Barley program and subsequent renovation of the Kirkuk Silo.

Video produced in September 2011 commemorates three years of James's dedication to the overall food security of Kirkuk Province.

Related Testimonies/Recommendations:

•  Dr. Najmelden, Governor - Kirkuk Province, Republic of Iraq
• Burdin Hickok, Economic Development Section Head, Kirkuk Provincial Reconstruction Team, US Department of State.
• Akram Almed Dewana, General Manager - Kirkuk Silo, General Company for Grain Trade, Ministry of Trade, Republic of Iraq