Statement by Secretary of Agriculture Dan Glickman on Russian Request for
Additional Food Assistance
                                
                                            Release No. 0382.99

Statement
                              by 
           Secretary of Agriculture Dan Glickman on 
         Russian Request for Additional Food Assistance
                                
                       September 28, 1999
                                
                                
"I have received an official request from the government of the Russian
Federation for additional food assistance.  The United States is now in the
              process of reviewing this request.  
                                
"A team of USDA, AID and State Department technicians recently traveled to
Russia to evaluate its harvest, grain in storage, and livestock situation. 
The group's report is still being compiled.  We will obviously review the
    Russian request in relation to that needs assessment.  
                                
"We continue to closely monitor the current program to assure it is meeting
its objectives.  We have followed most commodities from the time they arrive
in Russia to the point of distribution.  Our monitoring system and the U.S.-
Russian Joint Working Group are also intended to assure both countries that
proceeds from the sales of monetized commodities are properly deposited into
the Russian Pension Fund.  Currently, these deposits are being made on the
agreed schedule.  Our response to the new Russian request for additional
assistance will be based, in part, on our experience with the current program. 
                                
                                
"We will also consult closely with other major food producers, such as the
European Union, and we will be careful to avoid any steps that would disrupt
international agricultural markets or reduce incentives for Russian farmers."  
                                
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