WHEAT IS FOR LIFE
Food Aid Picture

USW works with USAID, USDA, and many other non-governmental organizations on issues impacting the use of wheat in food aid programs.

There are very good reasons why, for thousands of years, civilization has relied on wheat as the staff of life. The benefits go beyond wheat's calorie and energy contributions and even beyond wheat as a primary source of fiber. The nutrients in wheat provide health benefits that are essential to a productive life.

U.S. Wheat Food Aid Delivery

Throughout the years, and across the continents, people have developed hundreds of wheat foods including breads, noodles, couscous, porridge, pasta, and tortillas. Just as there are different wheat foods, there are different wheat classes and characteristics that are appropriate for those foods. Even different types of bread use different classes of wheat. Providing the right wheat to make the most appropriate food is, or should be, a major consideration in food aid donations.

Assistance on Applications and Specifications
USW works closely with the Private Volunteer Organization/Non-Governmental Organization (PVO/NGO) community to encourage the use of wheat in monetization programs where appropriate. Wheat donations in general, do not distort local markets as the vast majority of donational markets, particularly in Africa, are wheat-import dependent.

From its Arlington, VA, headquarters and worldwide offices, USW providea one-on-one advice to PVOs and NGOs looking to monetize on market characteristics and, most importantly, on correct wheat specifications such as protein and moisture content to ensure that each donation is market end-use appropriate.

USW Food Aid

NGOs and PVOs submitting proposals for food aid that include wheat in their development projects may request a letter of support from U.S. Wheat Associates and obtain free input on the appropriate wheat class and quality specifications to use for the targeted country by contacting Rebecca Bratter at rebecca_bratter@uswheat.org

Contributing to Global Food Security: U.S. Wheat Industry Food Aid Working Group Principles
The U.S. wheat industry through its Food Aid Working Group (FAWG) is committed to global food assistance and encourages a program that includes the full range of options to help countries attain lasting and sustainable food security.

Specifically, the resolutions included in the attached file guide this commitment.

Links to More Information on Food Aid
USAID Food for Peace
USDA Foreign Agricultural Service Food Aid Programs
USDA Foreign Agricultural Service Food Aid Reports

Trade Agreements

Study Confirms Trade Agreements Lift U.S. Farm Exports; Progress is Needed

A new study shows trade agreements directly increase U.S. ag exports, cash prices, and job growth, yet the U.S. risks falling behind its more aggressive export competitors. “There is a lot of talk about trade right now and this study offers proof that existing trade agreements are working for American agriculture,” said USW Director of Policy Rebecca Bratter. “We hope this new information will finally end the delay on ratifying pending free trade agreements.”

U.S. Consumers Support Plant Biotechnology as Sustainable Production

The International Food Information Council (IFIC) 2010 “Consumer Perceptions of Food Technology” survey found that consumers support the use of food biotechnology when they consider its potential benefits for reducing environmental impact. The survey indicated that 80% of consumers would be likely to purchase food containing wheat grown using plant biotechnology if produced with sustainable practices.