New funding empowers U.S. wheat farmers to aid global hunger relief

By Farms.com

The U.S. agriculture sector, particularly wheat growers, has received a significant boost with a new $1 billion funding initiative from the USDA and USAID. This program is designed to support the purchase and distribution of U.S. wheat to aid international food assistance efforts.

USW Chairman Michael Peters applauded the initiative, emphasizing that American wheat farmers are eager to help meet global food demands. The U.S. has a longstanding tradition of supporting food assistance programs, with more than one million metric tons of wheat donated globally each year.

The initiative received critical backing from Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, with additional support through advocacy by Senators Debbie Stabenow and John Boozman. This funding will not only help tackle global hunger but will also reinforce the U.S. as a reliable provider of food on the international stage.

According to NAWG President Keeff Felty, this funding comes at a crucial time, aiming to mitigate some of the most pressing humanitarian challenges of our era. With ongoing discussions around the Farm Bill, NAWG is pushing for stronger policies on commodity donations and increased investment in trade promotion initiatives.

Amanda Hoey, who leads the USW Food Aid Working Group, noted that wheat is a cornerstone of the USAID’s Food for Peace office's emergency aid, highlighting the generosity and capability of U.S. farmers in supporting global food security initiatives.