USW Joins Agriculture Groups, Labor Unions in Applauding Life-Saving International Food Aid Reform in House Farm Bill Text

May 17, 2024 – U.S. Wheat Associates (USW) joins the North American Millers’ Association (NAMA), National Association of Wheat Growers, Midwest Dry Bean Coalition, USA Rice, and AFL-CIO in applauding the House Agriculture Committee for its inclusion of life-saving reforms to U.S. international food aid programs in today’s release of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2024. These reforms would immediately feed more people without spending any new taxpayer dollars.

The Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2024 includes a 50 percent floor for U.S. commodities and ocean shipping in Food for Peace, ensuring that at least half of the budget goes directly to the program’s mission of feeding hungry people worldwide. Through its reforms, the Act preserves a robust role for USDA and the American farmers, millers, and shippers that have reliably contributed to Food for Peace since its inception.  Additionally, it simplifies the Bill Emerson Humanitarian Trust release mechanism so that the program can respond efficiently and effectively to hunger crises, as intended.

“The Farm Food and National Security Act of 2024 sends a clear message that Food for Peace should be delivering as much American grown food to as many hungry people as possible,” said USW Director of Trade Policy Peter Laudeman. “This is a mission that U.S. wheat farmers are proud to support, and we look forward to seeing these important reforms carried through the farm bill process.”

USW’s partners in backing the measure also voiced strong support.

“The food aid reforms included in the House farm bill ensure that more food will go directly into the bellies of hungry people around the world. In a time of such unprecedented famine emergency, we cannot imagine a higher priority than making sure we are feeding as many people as possible,” said NAMA Vice President of Government Affairs Kim Cooper.

“American labor has long supported the Food for Peace program, and is proud to endorse these provisions in the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2024 that ensure our nation continues its leadership in the fight against global hunger,” said Mark Clements, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO.