The University of Baghdad Agriculture College recently reopened its doors in a grand opening celebration that is part of an effort to revitalize agriculture in Iraq.
A program implemented by the United States Department of Agriculture and Baghdad Provincial Reconstruction Team called Ag Cooperatives, or `Co-Op`, is helping to meet the needs of Iraqi farmers through education, training and resource support.
According to PRT members, the program, already proven a success from an earlier project in east Baghdad, provides
USDA agricultural advisors who specialize in greenhouse horticulture, soil science, pest management and irrigation engineering. The advisors work in conjunction with the Baghdad PRT and United States Division-Central civil affairs, which support the Co-Op program.
“The benefit is getting the farmers back to work,” said Mr. John Ellerman, USDA advisor. “Many farmers are now back to work on their land and gaining income through farming, which is a family business here.”
