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How you can help Amber Waves

Jul 5, 2005 3:28 PM

In response to an inquiry about how U.S. farmers and agribusinesses could help American soldiers’ Amber Wave project, Capt. Jesse J. Cornelius provided the list of materials and information below.

Cornelius, a Mississippi farmer and high school agricultural teacher, heads up Amber Waves as part of the U.S. mission to establish peace and help get the Iraqi economy back on its feet. Anyone interested in providing materials and information can e-mail Cornelius at corneliusjj@155bct.mnf-wiraq.usmc.mil.

Cornelius said the Iraqi agriculture minister has given clearance for seed to be shipped into the country.

• Seed corn for variety trials. Farmers in the part of Iraq where Cornelius is stationed plant corn through the middle of August. The Iraqis have asked for assistance in securing 1 ton of seed for 10 to 20 varieties of hybrid corn. The seed will be used to plant test plots throughout the country.

• Vegetable seed for the same purpose. We want to demonstrate they produce well here.

• Any educational materials on raising corn, soybeans, rice, wheat, barley and vegetables.

• Assistance in poultry production. Cornelius has had conversations with a representative of the Iraqi poultry producers association who is interested in talking with some American companies. The poultry industry has a lot of potential here in Iraq, according to Cornelius.

• Vegetable processing equipment. Cornelius is looking for portable food processing units that can be moved by tractor trailer.

• Information about cooperatives. The U.S. soldiers working with Amber Wave are trying to start up cooperatives and is looking for information on how to operate them.