A joint venture of Pacific Northwest wheat growers and the U.S. milling industry is marking a successful donation to the Food for Peace program. A generous 28,000 metric tons of U.S. soft white wheat is now on its way to the Arabian Peninsula from the Port of Longview, addressing one of the world's direst hunger situations.
The collaborations between U.S. wheat farmers, USW, NAWG, and NAMA have been the backbone of international food aid. Their combined efforts over seven decades have empowered the American populace to donate bountiful wheat amounts and substantial food aid yearly. The recent donation traces back to farms in Washington State, Oregon, and Idaho.
Despite these accomplishments, U.S. food aid programs face an uncertain future due to proposed budget cuts. This spurred a combined effort from various organizations in 2023, pleading with legislators to persist in their support for these crucial programs.
Maintaining financial backing for these initiatives is paramount. The Food for Peace initiative is a testament to the power of domestic collaboration benefiting the global community.
Reflecting on his 2017 African tour, Kansas farmer Ron Suppes said, “The U.S. has a unique responsibility in global food aid. We must uphold our exceptional standards.”
The unveiling of the American Farmers Feed the World Act in 2023 is also gathering appreciation. This proposed legislation re-emphasizes direct commodity donations in the Food for Peace initiative.
U.S. millers, represented by voices like Kim Cooper from NAMA, take pride in their role in this humanitarian endeavor. In parallel, Nicole Berg, a dedicated Washington wheat farmer, has narrated the profound impact of U.S. food assistance from her African visits.
Source : wisconsinagconnection