Gore Announces 3 Million Tons for Food Aid Program

February 11, 2000

Vice President Al Gore says USDA will donate about 3 million additional tons of surplus agricultural commodities as food aid. No recipient countries were announced, but the donations will include wheat, soybeans and soy products, rice and milk powder.

With the Thursday announcement, U.S. food donations for fiscal year 2000 total about 9 million tons, about the same as were made in 1999, said Gore. Both Gore and Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman said farmers also benefit from the donations because supplies are reduced.

The commodities will be taken from existing USDA stocks or purchased by USDA through normal commercial channels, then donated under the Section 416(b) authority. They will be distributed by recipient countries, private voluntary organizations or the World Food Program of the United Nations.