Members of American Maritime Officers joined the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the United Nations World Food Program and representatives of the U.S. Wheat and U.S. Rice industries as part of the relaunch of the Food for Peace program at the Port of New Orleans on August 5.
The AMO-led crew of the bulk carrier MV Liberty Grace will deliver more than 48,000 metric tons of U.S.-grown rice and wheat to Kenya in the first shipment of Food for Peace cargo in 2026.
Food for Peace was once administered by the now-defunct USAID, but has been temporarily transferred to USDA as government officials determine the long-term future of the humanitarian aid program.
“Food for Peace cannot be viewed as an isolated program operating in a bubble. It is one vital part of a much larger system of American strength,” said the AMO National President, who was a guest speaker at the rally. “It strengthens American agriculture. It sustains American shipping. It preserves highly skilled maritime jobs. It supports sealift readiness. And it demonstrates American leadership to people around the world.”
Other speakers from the farming industry, humanitarian aid organizations and Port of New Orleans thanked the U.S. merchant mariners and Liberty Maritime, which owns Liberty Grace, for safely and strategically delivering the food cargo where it’s needed most. Liberty Maritime operates a fleet of bulk carriers under U.S. flag that primarily deliver food aid cargo around the world.
“The world needs our help, and with our resources and generosity as Americans, we can do that,” said William Campbell, Executive Vice President of Operations, Liberty Maritime. “Our long-term partnership with Food for Peace has given us the opportunity to see just how much good American farmers bring to the world. We are honored to help make food aid shipments abroad possible, helping millions of people suffering from food insecurity through the unmatched partnership of American farmers and the U.S.-flagged fleet.”
The 48,000 metric tons of food is estimated to feed at least one million starving Kenyans for a year as the country suffers through one of the longest food shortages in its history.
With the combined support of the U.S. farmers and U.S. maritime industry, officials hope Food for Peace will find a consistent and permanent home with USDA. Discussions have already begun about including a long-term solution in the annual farm bill in Congress.
“The shipment we’re sending to help those in dire need around the world is a testament not only to the abundance of U.S. agriculture, but more importantly, to the generosity of the American farmer and the bounty they produce,” said Michelle Bekkering, USDA Deputy Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs. “This massive shipment also showcases the strength of our historic partnership with U.S. commodity groups, our friends at our merchant marine workforce, and the World Food Program. Together, we’re helping those in need today and fostering true self-reliance tomorrow. Through our suite of USDA food assistance programs, we’re not just saving lives, we’re changing them.”
Matthew Nims, Washington Office Director for the World Food Program, announces this will be the first of many food aid shipments delivered by U.S. mariners.
Dr. Mike Strain, Commissioner of Louisiana Department of Agriculture, said rice sourced from his state was headed to Africa on MV Liberty Grace.
AMO members working aboard Liberty Grace included Captain Pieter Sheridan, Chief Mate James Burke and First Assistant Engineer Gallal Albaneh. AMO represents all licensed officers aboard the Liberty Maritime bulk carrier.
Captain Sheridan tours humanitarian leaders around MV Liberty Grace and shows off some of the 28,000 metric tons of U.S.-grown rice headed for Kenya.
