WASHINGTON, D.C. — A team of Iraqi grain and trade specialists, led by the minister of trade, has postponed its plan to tour parts of the U.S. rice and wheat industries this week. The last-minute postponement was due to difficulty in obtaining a visa for one of the team members.

The visit was designed to familiarize the Iraqis with U.S. grain policies and trade, the rice and wheat industries’ production, processing and inspection capabilities and to introduce the Iraqis to key members of Congress and the Bush administration. Plans are under way to reschedule the delegation visit for later this summer, with dates and delegation members dependent on the outcome of plans for a new governing structure in Iraq.