PRT Civil Society Outreach in Diyala's Farm Sector

UNCLAS BAGHDAD 000010 SIPDIS SIPDIS SENSITIVE E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: EAGR ECON ETRD EAID EFIN IZ SUBJECT: PRT Civil Society Outreach in Diyala's Farm Sector ¶1. (U) This is a PRT Diyala reporting cable. ¶2. (SBU) SUMMARY: PRT Diyala has conducted outreach and support activities with the Agricultural Chamber of Commerce and the Diyala Beekeepers Association. Allegations of violence within the Diyala Farmers' Union has required the PRT to step back from supporting what at first appeared to be a promising civil society organization. END SUMMARY. ¶3. (SBU) The inaugural meeting of the Diyala Farmer's Union was held at their new building in Baqubah in September. In addition to more than 300 Diyala farmers, the National Farmers Union Representative for Diyala Province, the Assistant Governor for Administrative Affairs, a representative of the Iraqi Police, and a representative of the Provincial Council Agriculture Committee Chairman, were all present at the inaugural meeting. ¶4. (SBU) A vote was held for the membership of the Governing Board after a meal and speeches. In addition to the President, Vice President, and General Secretary, seven delegates were elected to represent the provincial farmers. The chosen delegates were representative of all religious groups and thus represented a potential vehicle for reconciliation using agricultural interests in Diyala. ¶5. (SBU) Although this fine beginning seemed to augur well for the Union, the PRT has had to step back from its support for the organization due to conflict within the leadership in October. ¶6. (SBU) The PRT is also supporting the Agricultural Chamber of Commerce which will enable better services to be provided to provincial agriculturalists, and increase the opportunity that they have to influence government operation. Funding has been provided to renovate an administrative and meeting building, and to support their first year of operation. ¶7. (SBU) PRT continues to collaborate with the Diyala Beekeepers Association as well, particularly on importing honey processing equipment which will greatly benefit members of the association and enable commercial sales to commence. CROCKER