Press Release

January 12, 2026

For Immediate Release

NAWG Applauds Moving Food for Peace to USDA

For Immediate Release Contact:

Elizabeth Rivera | 202-547-7800 | erivera@wheatworld.org

NAWG Applauds Moving Food for Peace to USDA

Washington, D.C. (January 12, 2026) – The National Association of Wheat Growers CEO Sam Kieffer issued the following statement in response to news of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reaching an interagency agreement allowing USDA to operate the Food for Peace program.

“For decades, the Food for Peace program has embodied the best of American leadership—delivering life-sustaining food around the world while supporting U.S. farmers at home. NAWG is thrilled to see this agreement between USDA and the State Department and thanks the Trump Administration for initiating this common-sense move. Having USDA manage Food for Peace strengthens the program’s stability, ensures continued market opportunities for American grown crops, and safeguards in-kind food aid for the people around the world who need it most. While this agreement provides near-term certainty, we call on Congress to pass H.R. 1207 and S. 525 to permanently transfer Food for Peace to USDA.”

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About NAWG

NAWG is the primary policy representative in Washington D.C. for wheat growers, working to ensure a better future for America’s growers, the industry and the general public. NAWG works with a team of 20 state wheat grower organizations to benefit the wheat industry at the national level. From their offices on Capitol Hill, NAWG’s staff members are in constant contact with state association representatives, NAWG grower leaders, Members of Congress, Congressional staff members, Administration officials and the public.