USA, Minneapolis: Cargill announced on January 7 that its efforts in response to the recent earthquake and tsunami that struck South and Southeast Asia have now reached $1 million. To date, Cargill directly and through its employee matching gifts program has contributed more than $500,000 to support immediate relief efforts. The company has also announced that it will provide up to $500,000 toward long-term reconstruction efforts that will be directed by Cargill businesses in the affected regions in coming months.

Through Cargill’s Natural Disaster Relief Program, employees and the company have to date committed nearly $400,000 to the Red Cross for immediate relief efforts. The company also contributed $100,000 to CARE for water purification and sanitation efforts, and Cargill businesses in the affected regions have donated cash and in-kind assistance to local relief agencies.

Cargill has business operations in Thailand, Indonesia, India and Malaysia, employing more than 9,000 employees. Cargill’s operations in the region range from trading and processing vegetable oil and chickens to operating feed mills and palm oil refineries. In addition, Cargill manages a palm plantation in Sumatra.

“Fortunately, Cargill employees, facilities and customers have been spared any immediate impact from the powerful earthquake and tsunami,” said David Raisbeck, vice chairman of Cargill and executive supervisor for Asia. “We are heartened by the response worldwide of our employees, who have contributed so generously to the relief effort. Cargill has operated in the region for more than 50 years and we are committed to supporting the long-term rehabilitation of South and Southeast Asia.”

Cargill’s Natural Disaster Relief Fund and employee matching program with the Red Cross was established in 1999 to help the company and its employees respond immediately and effectively to disasters in communities where it operates. Through the program, Cargill and its employees have responded to disasters in 25 countries and contributed more than $2 million.

12 January, 2005