If there’s one constant in agriculture, it’s that no one succeeds alone. The challenges facing wheat growers today – high input costs fueled by inflation and tariffs, uncertainty in global markets, regulatory pressures, non-science-based rhetoric, and a fragile farm economy – are complex and, at times, controversial. That is exactly why collaboration remains at the core of NAWG’s work. Over the past several weeks and months, NAWG has been working alongside a broad coalition of partners to advance priorities that matter to wheat growers.
On the trade front, we joined other grower organizations in urging the International Trade Commission (ITC) to revoke countervailing duties on phosphates from Russia and Morocco. But we also released our own economic analysis and submitted wheat-specific comments to the ITC. Fertilizer costs remain a significant pressure point, and ensuring access to affordable inputs is critical to improving farmer profitability and maintaining global competitiveness.
We’ve also been engaging at the highest levels of government. NAWG recently participated in meetings in the West Wing of the White House alongside partners including the Corn Growers, Soybean Association, Farm Bureau, and PepsiCo. These conversations focused squarely on the farm economy and the policies needed to support American agriculture.
Collaboration has also been central to our continued advocacy for international food assistance programs. Working with the North American Millers’ Association, USA Rice, the maritime industry, and others, NAWG is pushing Congress to ensure strong funding for Food for Peace. These partnerships reflect a shared understanding that moving U.S.-grown commodities to global markets benefits farmers, strengthens supply chains, and supports global food security. Food security is national security.
On the research front, NAWG continues to work closely with the National Wheat Improvement Committee (NWIC) and the US Wheat and Barley Scab Initiative (USWBSI) to advocate for robust funding for USDA’s Agricultural Research Service. These investments are vital to wheat breeding, pest and disease resistance, and grain quality – areas that directly affect a grower’s ability to compete and succeed.
At the same time, we’ve been holding in-depth conversations with private sector partners across the agricultural value chain, including Bayer, Corteva, Syngenta, UPL, PepsiCo, Farm Credit, Ardent Mills, FMC, Bunge, John Deere, and others. These discussions are essential to addressing challenges that don’t always have legislative solutions. One example of real progress was a conversation with Nutrien senior leaders about the farm economy, input costs, and the harmful distortions phosphate countervailing duties have created for farm checkbooks. Shortly after that conversation, Nutrien publicly commented that removing countervailing duties on phosphate fertilizers would be a constructive step.
And even though wheat is not a feedstock for biofuels, NAWG is supporting the work of corn, soy, and refiners to expand renewable fuels opportunities. A rising tide lifts all boats.
Just as important, NAWG continues to spend time on the ground with growers. Visiting state association meetings and events allows us to hear directly from farmers about the issues you are facing and to share updates on our work in Washington. Those conversations help shape the messaging around our farmer-established priorities and ensure our advocacy remains focused where it matters most.
We also work hard to connect growers with meaningful opportunities to influence the outcome. For instance, NAWG recently invited growers from Minnesota and North Dakota to engage directly with EPA on a regional policy matter. We’re also finding new and old ways to put grower leaders in front of media and other influential audiences that help advance wheat policy and build greater awareness of how wheat is grown today.
Agriculture has always been built on relationships: between farmers, up and down the supply chain, and with policymakers. At NAWG, we believe that strong partnerships lead to stronger outcomes. Whether it’s advocating for policy changes, advancing research, or addressing challenges in the marketplace, collaboration is not just a strategy – it’s a necessity.
NAWG will continue to bring growers’ voices to the table and work with partners across agriculture to deliver results. When farm groups work together, farmers benefit.