Multi-National Corps – Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory
APO AE 09342

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RELEASE No. 20080905-02
Sept. 5, 2008

Al-Baraka Operative Farmers Association opens (Baghdad)
Multi-National Division – Center

FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU, Iraq – Farmers in Baghdad Province’s Lutifiyah area came together Aug. 30 to celebrate the opening of the al-Baraka Operative Farmers Association.

“Lutifiyah is a big part of Iraq … it connects the Tigris with the Euphrates rivers, and we are very proud of it,” said Ali, a retired Iraqi Army lieutenant colonel and a member of the new association. “We will work together for the sake of the people, and we thank everybody who contributed to making Lutifiyah a safer place.”

Ali said improved security, thanks to the local citizens, the Iraqi Security Forces and the U.S. forces, is the key element that allowed the association to open its doors

“Getting the security was easy … but the hard job is maintaining it,” said Lt. Col. Michael Getchell, commander of 2nd Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, attached to 4th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division.

Despite the improved security, the area still lacks some basic services, said Sheik Abdul, adding that it is getting better. The association’s goal is to provide equipment, seed, fertilizer and other needs to local farmers to ensure success.

In addition to providing agriculture aids to the farmers, Ali said the association will be a meeting place for farmers to discuss their problems. By discussing the problems, Ali said he hopes the association will be able to come up with solutions and continue improving the agricultural business in Lutifiyah.

“The hard work of the people is paying off,” said Getchell. “The farms are better this year than last year, and they will continue to improve. This association was created to help the farmers improve their farming capabilities.”

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