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

Apr 19, 2024

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.

Video: Independent Seed, National Impact | On The Brink: Episode 9

A survey of 200 independent seed businesses reveals what Canada's seed sector actually contributes — and what it stands to lose.

On the Brink, Justin Funk, a third-generation agri-marketer, shares the findings of a national survey conducted in early 2026. The numbers reframe the conversation: independent seed companies in Canada represent upwards of $1.7 billion in dedicated seed infrastructure, approximately 3,000 full-time equivalent jobs in rural communities, and an estimated $20 million in annual community contributions. And roughly 90% of Canada's cereals, pulses, and other small pollinated crops flow through them.

The survey also asked how dependent these businesses are on public plant breeding to survive. The answer was unambiguous. For policymakers evaluating the future of publicly funded breeding programs, Funk argues the economic case for this sector and the case for public plant breeding are the same argument.

On the Brink is a cross-country video series exploring the future of plant breeding in Canada. Each episode features voices from across the industry in an open, ongoing conversation about innovation and long-term investment in Canadian agriculture.