U.S. Wheat Associates (USW) and the National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) welcome new legislation introduced today that would move the Food for Peace international food assistance program under USDA’s administration. The legislation is sponsored by Representatives Tracey Mann of Kansas, Rick Crawford of Arkansas, Dan Newhouse of Washington, David Rouzer of North Carolina and House Agriculture Committee Chairman GT Thompson of Pennsylvania, along with Sens. Jerry Moran of Kansas and John Hoeven of North Dakota.
“U.S. wheat has long been proud of the role our farmers play in feeding hungry populations around the world,” said USW President Vince Peterson. “Realigning administration of Food for Peace, our flagship global hunger program, to USDA makes perfect sense and ensures that the agency most closely connected with food is equipped to deliver wholesome food from American farmers to those who most need it.”
USW and NAWG have long advocated for “keeping the food in food aid” and have expressed frustration at growing trends in food assistance programs of cash donations and commodity purchases from U.S. competitors.
“NAWG welcomes this legislation that supports American farmers while working to address hunger around the world,” said NAWG CEO Chandler Goule. “Each year, the Food for Peace program buys more than one million metric tons of food, including wheat, to feed millions of starving people in the poorest countries around the world. Under USDA, Food for Peace, this 71-year-old program will feed more people more efficiently and effectively without losing track of starting American foreign policy at home with American farmers.”
About USW
USW’s mission is to develop, maintain, and expand international markets to enhance wheat’s profitability for U.S. wheat producers and its value for their customers in more than 100 countries. Its activities are made possible through producer checkoff dollars managed by 17 state wheat commissions and cost-share funding provided by USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service. For more information, visit www.uswheat.org.
About NAWG
NAWG is the primary policy representative in Washington D.C. for wheat growers, working to ensure a better future for America’s growers, the industry and the general public. NAWG works with a team of 20 state wheat grower organizations to benefit the wheat industry at the national level. From their offices on Capitol Hill, NAWG’s staff members are in constant contact with state association representatives, NAWG grower leaders, Members of Congress, Congressional staff members, Administration officials and the public.