Shukrega greenhouse project begins

CAMP STRIKER, Iraq (May 13, 2008) - Local government officials gathered for a groundbreaking ceremony for the Shukrega greenhouse in the Mahmudiyah area, about 25 kilometers south of Baghdad, May 10.

"The project brings to the area an opportunity to prove how effective the greenhouse can be for farmers," said Capt. Benjamin Torpy, commander of Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 3rd Battalion, 320th Field Artillery, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division.

The greenhouse will be built on local farmer Oday Ibrahim Ghathwan al-Ghererri's farm and will feature a drip irrigation system and other technological advancements al-Ghererri had no access to before.

"Its successes will showcase the strides the government of Iraq, the al-Rasheed agriculture union and coalition forces have been able to take in recent months in terms of supporting agriculture in the local community," Torpy said.

"In recent years, the area … has been severely impacted by low rain fall and poor irrigation and drainage, factors that will make the success of this project all the more impressive," said Capt. Benjamin Neusse, 3-320th FA civil military operations officer.