Iraqi Prime Minister Receives U.S. Wheat Associates Delegation

Following is an April 17, 2024, announcement from the Iraqi Prime Minister Media Office. Photo above courtesy of the Media Office.

Prime Minister Mohammed S. Al-Sudani met with Mr. Vince Peterson, President of the U.S. Wheat Associates (USW), and his accompanying delegation [April 17, 2024], in the Prime Minister's residence in Washington D.C. They discussed future cooperation on the supply of high-quality wheat to Iraq at reasonable prices for flour production that can be supplied to the local market outside of the ration card system, which the government has worked to secure and strengthen its strategic reserve, primarily relying on Iraqi wheat.

Prime Minister Al-Sudani highlighted the ongoing cooperation with the U.S. Wheat Associates, praising its efforts in facilitating contracts with the Ministry of Trade and providing wheat during a critical phase when Iraq urgently needed large quantities to bolster its food security. He also emphasized the government's commitment to continue cooperation with American companies to produce flour for the local market and reduce imports, alongside continued efforts to enhance food security through support for farmers and the private agricultural sector in Iraq.

The Prime Minister assured that the government would overcome any obstacles to advance cooperation with American companies in supporting this project, meet the local market's flour needs, and plan for future exports by leveraging the production capacities of private wheat flour producing machines and facilities, many of which have a significant portion of their production lines idle.

Mr. Peterson expressed enthusiasm for further cooperation and future endeavors, noting that the U.S. Wheat Associates has worked with Iraq for decades under the framework of a memorandum of understanding. He expressed pride in the partnership with Iraq.