A US wheat exporters group on Tuesday praised the US Agriculture Department for suspending Australia's AWB Ltd from USDA export credit programs because of alleged kickbacks to the former Iraqi regime.
AWB, formerly known as Australian Wheat Board, was among several companies accused of making illicit payments in a recent UN investigation of Iraq's oil for food program. The AWB allegedly paid some $221 million in connection with humanitarian food purchases under the UN-administered program. AWB denied any knowledge of kickbacks.
AWB operates a US subsidiary that is registered with the USDA as an authorised exporter of American commodities. "The US wheat marketing system is based on a strong system of laws and regulations that protect buyers, sellers, and everyone in between," said Alan Tracy, president of US Wheat Associates.