Number: RS21234
Title: The Bill Emerson Humanitarian Trust: Background and Current Issues
Authors: Charles E. Hanrahan, Resources, Science and Industry Division 
Abstract: The Bill Emerson Humanitarian Trust is a reserve of wheat, corn, sorghum, and rice that can be used to help fulfill P.L. 480 food aid commitments to developing countries. Administration proposals to reduce food aid's reliance on surplus commodities and anticipated demand for emergency food aid, especially in southern Africa, have focused renewed attention on the Emerson Trust, which has been used four times in FY2002 and FY2003 to meet unanticipated food needs in Africa and Iraq. About 1.1 million metric tons of wheat remain in the Trust. As the Trust is drawn down, reimbursement and replenishment of the Trust for commodities released become important issues.
Pages: 6
Date: Updated April 17, 2003