990531 USA-Russia Meat Aid Still Being Fine-Tuned

Washington - Officials in Washington and in Moscow are still working on the final details of the U.S. meat aid package for Russia.

"There are some technical issues that need to be resolved before the tender goes out," the aide said. "This is not really a problem, it's just that certain things needs to be resolved before it moves ahead."

U.S. producers have been anxiously awaiting word that the meat portion of the U.S. food aid package for Russia is complete. But USDA officials have said that the United States lacks experience in providing meat aid, rather than grains and other commodities, which complicates the matter.

The aide said it is unclear how much longer it will take for the agreement to be completed.

Under the $1 billion food aid package, the United States will provide loans under the PL480 program for Russia to buy 120,000 tonnes of frozen beef and beef offals and 50,000 tonnes of poultry. The USDA will also donate 50,000 tonnes of pork.

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