“In addition, most of these farmers are Sunni Arabs. Their leaders aren’t really participating in Kirkuk’s political process right now. Having them get together in this environment with a Department of State representative will help ensure that their needs get pushed higher.” Fuller also explained that the meeting helped his unit identify how they can best help the local farming community immediately which includes, among other things, helping repair and maintain the region’s 25 year-old aqueduct system. In addition to water, meeting invitees took advantage of Department of State expertise to discuss crop and planting rotations, soil characteristics, seed quality, business opportunities, controlling agricultural imports, and short term and long term infrastructure improvements. Mostly, though, it was farmers talking farming to someone who understood their issues, and could empathize with their plight. “I’m an agricultural economist from Manhattan, Kansas. My family still farms wheat in Kansas,” emphasized Schnittker. “I think they are mostly pleased that someone is here that speaks their language, the language [of agriculture],” he said. “I’d definitely characterize this meeting as very good,” he continued. “We heard a lot about their agriculture. We reinforced their need to address their concerns to their political representatives. Also, I now have information that I can use on their behalf at the brigade, division and provincial levels to try and make sure their needs are met.” |