United States to Donate Agricultural Commodities to Yemen
                                                               
                                           Release No.  0108.00
                                                               
                              Eric Van Chantfort (202) 720-9443



UNITED STATES TO DONATE AGRICULTURAL COMMODITIES TO YEMEN

     WASHINGTON, April 4, 2000 Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman today
announced that the United States will donate up to 177,000 metric tons of
agricultural commodities to Yemen.  Glickman signed a Section 416(b) agreement
during a meeting held this morning with Ali Abdulla Saleh, President of Yemen. 


     "This food assistance will help the people of Yemen by promoting
economic development and agricultural market reform," said Glickman.  

     The agreement provides for the donation of up to 177,000 metric tons of
U.S. wheat and flour, soybean meal, rice, and nonfat dry milk, as well as
related ocean transportation costs.  USDA is conducting consultations with
other donors, as called for under UN Food and Agriculture Organization
protocols. 

      The commodities will be sold in commercial channels in Yemen.  The
proceeds will be used to finance socially related development projects to
alleviate poverty, promote economic and agricultural development, improve
health and education, and create jobs through infrastructure projects.

     Under the Section 416(b) program, the Commodity Credit Corporation
donates commodities to friendly and developing countries.  The donated
commodities under this agreement will be provided from surplus CCC stocks
acquired by CCC.  The supply period for this donation is fiscal year 2000.


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