Kurdistan Region of Northern Iraq
Currently, grain being imported by feed mills in Kurdistan (as well as the rest of Iraq) is sold well above its world-market value. The inefficiency of the supply chain leads to feed changing hands an average of three times, tripling transportation costs. Then, once in the hands of in-country wholesalers, the product is marked up again to whatever price the market can bear.
SALT has established relationships with the Kurdish government and local poultry producers and is cooperating with them to develop a plan to locally produce and sell soy at fair prices. This plan will create jobs, establish a local soy market in Kurdistan, and lead to greater food security by lowering the input costs associated with poultry production.
The first step will be a 3-year feasibility study in conjunction with government agencies, universities, and local farmers.
Afghanistan
SALT is being contracted to build and assist in operating a soybean processing facility in Mazar-I-Sharif, Afghanistan as part of a USDA Food for Progress program with the American Soybean Association, to support the emerging agricultural economy of Afghanistan.
This overall 3-year project also includes the development of irrigation systems, farm-to-market roadways, micro-credit loans, technical support and training, marketing assistance, and consumer awareness campaigns.