A Commitment to Wheat Supply Chain Integrity and Quality
The U.S. farm families who produce the wheat and the industries that supply it are committed to keeping the wheat market open and transparent. As U.S. wheat export prices trend toward parity and other suppliers offer uncertainty, it is important that our customers again see the reasons they can depend on the integrity of our supply system, the familiar quality of U.S. wheat, and unmatched trade and technical support from U.S. Wheat Associates (USW).
The U.S. wheat “store” is always open.
U.S. farmers overcome significant risk every year to meet domestic wheat demand and still provide half their crop for export markets. Farmers and commercial warehouses can store and efficiently transport wheat in top condition to meet overseas demand when needed and throughout the marketing year.
Prices are transparent and honored.
U.S. wheat export prices are discovered openly through futures exchanges and basis costs and are always available to customers. Private exporters use risk management tools to honor sales contract prices often made months in advance of vessel loading.
The Federal Grain Inspection Service (FGIS), as an objective third party, certifies that all exported wheat meets import specifications.
The supply chain follows uniform grain segregation and inspection procedures.
U.S. country elevators and export elevators inspect and test wheat and segregate by class and quality to meet customer requirements. The Federal Grain Inspection Service (FGIS) independently inspects wheat at vessel loading to certify that the quality loaded matches the customer’s specifications. Those inspections yield valuable data down to the sub-lot level of 1,000 to 2,000 metric tons that customers can use, with help from USW, to get even more value from their purchases.
Quality is assured.
Every day, every season, U.S. wheat farmers work to contribute to a sustainable source of high-quality wheat for the world. USW publishes weekly reports during harvest that summarize initial wheat quality findings. USW works with several organizations and laboratories to analyze hundreds of wheat samples for all six U.S. wheat classes and publishes all results in the annual Crop Quality Report. Once completed, our staff, farmers and industry experts collaborate to share that crop quality data with customers and end-users worldwide.
Government-backed supply integrity.
U.S. federal law protects the sanctity of all export contracts. The only exception is a declared national emergency. The U.S. Constitution forbids export tariffs, which puts us in full compliance with World Trade Organization disciplines.
Buyers receive unmatched trade servicing and technical support.
USW colleagues Ting Liu (right foreground) and Shirley Lu (back right) work with members of a Chinese End Product Collaborative team sponsored by U.S. Wheat Associates at the Wheat Marketing Center, Portland, Ore.
With funding from U.S. wheat farm families and USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service, experienced USW staff and consultants add exceptional value to all U.S. wheat class imports. USW invests substantial funding from farmers and federal programs to help overcome trade or technical barriers that would otherwise keep end-users from realizing the highest value and most revenue from using U.S. wheat.
Today, USW and the entire U.S. wheat industry remain fixed on the mission of the farmers who created an enduring legacy of commitment and partnership to provide the highest quality wheat for almost every customer need, backed by transparent pricing, trusted third-party certification and unmatched service before and after the sale.
