Algeria plans increased imports of Upper Midwest durum

Algeria plans increased imports of Upper Midwest durum A delegation of Algerian importers and millers will meet with durum producers in North Dakota today through Saturday as guests of the North Dakota Wheat Commission and U.S. Wheat Associates.
   The delegation wants to learn more about the durum from this region and the interaction between producers, country elevators and exporters.
   “Algerian buyers continue to advance their quality demands, and more actively seeking information on the end use and milling characteristics of the various grades and varieties available from U.S. durum,” the North Dakota Wheat Commission said in a statement.
   According to the commission, Algeria has been a top importer of U.S. durum. In 2005, Algeria imported 10.8 million bushels durum, mostly for making couscous and some pastas.
   The Algerian delegation will also visit the Port of Duluth and Minneapolis Grain Exchange. The delegation’s visit to the United States is sponsored by U.S. Wheat Associates, which is supported by farmers in 20 states in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service.