Grant of $50,000 continues support for farm rehabilitation in N. Korea.

The Church of the Brethren's Global Food Crisis Fund (GFCF) has given $50,000 to continue the church's support for the Ryongyon Farm Rehabilitation program in North Korea. The program assists four large farm cooperatives in promoting food security for thousands of people who live and work on the farms.

Now in its seventh year of working with Agglobe International in North Korea, the Church of the Brethren has had a lead role in the Ryongyon program. The program provides a model for sustainable agricultural development.

"Our involvement in North Korea has stepped up in the past several months, due to the upcoming opening of the University of Science and Technology in Pyongyang," reported Howard Royer, who serves as manager of the fund. The Church of the Brethren also is helping provide faculty for the new university in North Korea (see story below).

"GFCF has also enlisted the help of nine other denominations and agencies through the Foods Resource Bank," Royer said. The grant will assist in cultivating these relationships in North Korea through the shipment of materials for the university and the farm cooperatives, and through the purchase of additional agricultural materials.

Source: 2/11/2010 Newsline