By Jamie Martin
Food for Peace plays an important role in linking U.S. agriculture with global food security. The program uses American grown crops to help address hunger in crisis regions while supporting farmers and rural communities at home. Kansas wheat farmers strongly support keeping the program focused on U.S. sourced food aid.
Established in 1954, Food for Peace was designed to use surplus agricultural production to fight hunger and strengthen peace. Wheat has remained a cornerstone of the program because it stores well, provides strong nutrition, and fits many diets worldwide. For decades, U.S. wheat shipments have symbolized trust and leadership in humanitarian efforts.
The program also supports long-term market development. When people receive U.S. grown food during emergencies, it builds recognition and demand for American agricultural products. This has helped support future export opportunities for wheat and other crops.
Over time, changes in policy reduced the share of U.S. commodities used in the program. Increased local and regional procurement allowed foreign sourced food to replace U.S. grown grain in some cases. This raised concerns among producers about lost market opportunities.
A new agreement between the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of State will move program operations from the U.S. Agency for International Development to USDA. This shift brings management closer to farmers and supply chains.
“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,” said Sam Kieffer, CEO of the National Association of Wheat Growers.
Leaders say USDA has the operational knowledge needed to manage commodities, logistics, and accountability. They believe the program is strongest when it uses American crops to meet humanitarian needs while supporting exports, rural economies, and U.S. leadership in global food assistance.
“Kansas wheat farmers have championed keeping the food in U.S. food aid and international market development programs since Food for Peace began,” said Kansas Wheat CEO Justin Gilpin. “This program expands efforts of trade promotion and U.S. wheat exports and positions the U.S. as a global leader to provide food assistance to address food security needs.”
Photo Credit: usda
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