About USW

U.S. Wheat Associates does not buy, sell, or process wheat.
We make it easier for everyone else to.

Making a world of difference
Knowing and growing the wheat export market, working in over 100 countries on behalf of American wheat growers, U.S. Wheat Associates maintains offices strategically located around the world in order to pave the way for U.S. export growth in all six classes of wheat: durum, hard red spring, hard red winter, soft red winter, soft white, and hard white wheat.

U.S. wheat is the world's most reliable choice. But while the U.S. grows wheat that will meet every need, the American grain marketing system is complicated. USW provides comprehensive assistance to U.S. wheat buyers, millers, bakers and government officials around the world.

Leading the world in wheat exports
In marketing year 2005/06, the U.S. produced 57 million metric tons of wheat. The American public used over 31 MMT and 27.5 MMT was exported .

While the U.S. exports more wheat than any other country, our market share in global trade is 24%, evidence that the U.S. wheat industry has strong competition.

Providing information
Wheat buyers, whether they are long time customers or new on the scene, need information to stay abreast of the market. To meet those needs, USW experts provide:
  • Information services, such as reports and seminars on U.S. wheat production and marketing
  • Educational programs for overseas buyers
  • Sponsorship of overseas team visits to the United States

Providing technical assistance
Some importing countries need to learn the very basics about milling, storage and handling, and end-product uses of U.S. wheat. Other countries are past the basics and are exploring new formulations and uses. USW offers:
  • Technical courses at U.S. institutions
  • USW consulting services onsite
  • Establishment of training facilities in wheat importing countries
  • Collaborative research on new and improved uses of wheat in foods

Contributing to U.S. trade policy
Although most of USW's activities are conducted overseas, market development actually begins within the United States, where government policy can affect the sales of millions of tons of wheat each year. USW supports wheat trade policies that provide for open and fair competition.

Conducting consumer promotion programs
Consumer demand drives the market, and in special markets -- especially in areas where per capita wheat consumption is low -- consumer promotion can boost consumption of wheat foods. USW conducts:
  • Surveys that help determine levels of consumer awareness and interest in wheat-based foods and other value-added wheat products.
  • Media promotions, such as print advertising and television commercials
  • Cooking and baking demonstrations and contests
  • American Quality Wheat logo program

How USW is funded
Funding activities that develop and maintain wheat export markets is a cooperative effort between the federal government and wheat producers. Federal programs, including the Foreign Market Development program and the Market Access Program, account for about 74% of USW revenues. Producer check-off funds forwarded to USW through the state wheat commissions, including regular state assessments and state-funded special projects, provide 26% of activity funding.

How funding is allocated
Eight of every ten dollars go to USW overseas activities. The remaining 20% stays in the U.S. for 20 staff members, two offices (in Arlington, VA, and Portland, OR), assistance with foreign trade delegations, USW Board of Directors expenses, and information and education for wheat producers.