For Immediate Release Contact:
Mariah Wollweber | 202-547-7800 | mwollweber@wheatworld.org
NAWG Applauds Introduction of American Farmers Feed the World Act
Washington, D.C. (June 22, 2023) – Today, Representatives Tracey Mann (R-KS-01), John Garamendi (D-CA-08), Rick Crawford (R-AR-01), and Jimmy Panetta (D-CA-19) introduced the American Farmers Feed the World Act of 2023. NAWG applauds this bipartisan effort to keep the food in America’s international food aid programs as Congress looks to reauthorize the Farm Bill in 2023. As part of this legislation, Congress would restore the original intent of the Food for Peace program without spending additional Farm Bill resources, all while safeguarding the interests of American farmers.
“The American Farmers Feed the World Act of 2023 allows us, American wheat farmers, to share our production and contribute to the fight against global hunger,” said National Association of Wheat Growers President and Oregon wheat farmer, Brent Cheyne. “Wheat is a staple whole grain that accounts for roughly 20 percent of calories consumed globally, and U.S. wheat farmers produce the best, highest quality wheat that helps feed the world. Over the years, we have witnessed a shift away from utilizing American commodities in food aid programs, which has eroded transparency, accountability, and bipartisan support. As we look toward reauthorizing the Farm Bill later this year, this bipartisan legislation is a crucial step toward renewing the role of American agriculture in fighting global hunger. It demonstrates our commitment to providing food aid to vulnerable populations while supporting our farmers over that of foreign ag competitors.”
The Act focuses on transparency and accountability by ending the program’s reliance on cash transfers overseas and reducing programmatic overhead costs. By preserving resources to purchase life-saving food, this legislation would ensure that at least 50 percent of the budget is allocated to acquiring American-grown commodities and delivering them to the destination country.
The American Farmers Feed the World Act of 2023 ensures American wheat growers continue to play a pivotal role in feeding the world and making a positive impact on global food security. NAWG will continue to work with industry and Capitol Hill to support this legislation’s inclusion in the 2023 Farm Bill. Wheat growers are encouraged to help support the bill by contact their Congressmembers through NAWG’s campaign. Additional information can be found on this fact sheet.