USDA has purchased 700,000 tons of wheat for humanitarian aid in the Balkans, to assist Kosovar refugees, in North Korea and other areas suffering food shortages.  This is in addition to a 1 million ton purchase announced March 26.  Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman called the action “a moral obligation.”

“At a time of turmoil around the world, these purchases will serve as a tool of mercy and a tangible expression of our commitment to peace and prosperity for people everywhere,” he said.

Through the World Food Program and other private voluntary organizations, 100,000 tons will be exchanged for flour and bulgur and distributed.  Shipments of 9,100 tons have been scheduled per month to the Balkans from July through December.

Shipments of 15,000 tons of flour to the Balkans for April, May and June are being made through the Agency for International Development (AID).  Another 1,350 tons each of vegetable oil navy beans and other foodstuffs are being donated.

Under another program, 400,000 tons of wheat and 300 tons of nonfat milk powder are being shipped to alleviate hunger and malnutrition in North Korea.