Fargo, N.D., USA – Five inspectors from the Algerian government will be at Northern Crops Institute (NCI) to attend a Lentil Grading and Inspection Seminar November 16-17. They will tour lentil production and processing operations in western North Dakota November 14-15.

“Algeria may become a large market for the U.S., as we increase production of the large green lentils, which are popular in Algeria. During a trade mission last year, our exporters met with several buyers throughout Algeria. Relationships are to a point where we hope to have consistent trading with Algeria,” said Eric Bartsch, administrator of the North Dakota Dry Pea and Lentil Council.

At NCI, the team will spend two days learning about U.S. grading standards of lentils. “Through this class, we want to make the Algerian government officials aware of the U.S. grading standards so that when they do get in U.S. product, there will be no question of how to grade U.S. lentils,” concluded Bartsch.

Federal Grain Inspection Service inspectors, Ed Stallman and Carmon Lindblad, from the Grand Forks, N.D. Field Office will teach the seminar. Ms. Nabila Hales from the American Embassy in Algiers will escort and interpret for the team.

The team will tour Premier Pulses International, Inc., of Minot, N.D. on Tuesday. Greg Johnson, president and owner, says, “At Premier Pulses, we are processors of lentils and chickpeas. We feel it is of great importance that buyers understand the quality standards within the U.S. grading system. When buyers specify a certain grade, they will know what to expect when the shipment arrives.” 

The group will also tour Carrington, N.D., Research Extension Center and the Port of Seattle.

Sponsors for the group are the USA Dry Pea and Lentil Council, North Dakota Dry Pea and Lentil Association, and the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service.

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