The Idaho Wheat Commission

(BOISE, ID) -- A team of three high ranking Pakistan government and provincial officials visited the U.S. last week, at the invitation of U.S. Wheat Associates. A ten day program was set up by USW and the Idaho Wheat Commission to demonstrate U.S. wheat production, marketing, and exporting systems.

Pakistan's private sector has purchased 99,000 metric tons of U.S. wheat this year, but the public sector (who also buys wheat, when necessary to maintain stocks or stabilize prices) hasn't purchased U.S. wheat for a number of years.

The government buying is done by the Trading Corporation of Pakistan, under the Ministry of Commerce, and the Chairman of TCP is leading the delegation.

"I was appointed to TCP last September," explained Chairman Asif Zaman Ansari. "I've not been exposed to wheat imports so far. I am at a disadvantage as well as having an advantage. The advantage comes from being ready to learn, and this trip is all about learning, especially in regards to establishing specifications. I therefore come to the U.S. with no bias."

The last time TCP imported wheat was in 2004/05, when they bought largely Australian.

"Pakistan's tender specifications tend to operate to the disadvantage of U.S. wheat and we have noted the concerns expressed by officials here about these specifications. It is my promise that when I go back I will take up the issue with the appropriate agencies, who may have raison d'etre to prescribe these standards. We must have uniform standards applicable to all origins exporting wheat to Pakistan," said Mr. Ansari.

While in Idaho, the team toured the Lewis and Clark Terminal in Lewiston. Arvid Lyons, Manager of the Terminal, highlighted the workings of the local elevator system and the importance of barges in transporting the grain to Portland.

The team also visited the University of Idaho in Moscow to review the soft white wheat breeding program. Dr. Bob Zemetra provided an overview of the accomplishments of Idaho’s wheat breeders to develop wheats with the quality traits desired by the Pakistani’s. A visit to Joe Anderson farm in Potlatch rounded out the Team’s introduction to Idaho’s wheat industry.

“The relationships established with the Pakistan Trade Team are invaluable. We are hopeful that the team members saw the value of Idaho wheat,” said Commissioner Joe Anderson. “We look to capitalize on the fact that, when economics permit, people tend to buy from those they have come to know and trust.”

U.S. Wheat Associates regional vice president Mark Samson accompanied the team.

"We are confident that these gentlemen will use what they observe on this trip to develop a more streamlined procurement policy, if and when government imports are required," Mr. Samson said.