Lending a helping hand in Iraq

Dr. Jim Hanson, a University of Maryland agricultural economist, is part of a team that is looking into re-opening state-owned factories that have been shut down in Iraq since 2003.

Hanson was chosen to advise on agricultural issues, one of which is to help create a reliable supply of quality hides for use in a leather factory. Hanson would like to organize three farmers associations in Iraq's Kurdish, Shia and Sunni regions to supply the factory with sheep hides.

Hanson is seeking the advice of three extension colleagues (Susan Schoenian, Reggie Harrell, and David Myers) to provide advice via e-mail on sheep production, weed control in irrigation canals, and vegetable production.

Source: Outlook Online, University of Maryland, May 15, 2007
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