The Wide World of Wheat from the Washington Wheat Commission

Anchor: And now from the Washington Wheat Commission comes “The wide world of wheat” grain industry headlines from around the world.

The Ethiopian government purchased 300,000 metric tons of European wheat recently worth $77 million, part of a $250 million buying spree intended to provide welfare to low and fixed incomes groups in urban areas across the country. Food purchases make up 57 percent of an average Ethiopian’s budget. In the U.S. that figure is less than 10 percent.

The Punjab Food Department of Pakistan is distributing 6.5 million gunny sacks to farmers in which to store their wheat crop. In addition, 389 wheat procurement centers have been set up in the province with committees of farmers and politicians appointed to ensure transparency during the selling process. Toll free complaint lines have also been established and the government warned of stern action against officials involved in corruption.

Spring wheat acreage is increasing in Saskatchewan where 430,000 more acres are expected to be planted. The increase comes at the expense of the canola crop. Officials were surprised by a 7 percent decline in canola acreage despite strong prices and believe farmers made the decision based on their crop rotation needs.

I’m Bob Hoff.

Anchor: The Washington Wheat Commission wants growers and citizens alike to understand their industry has global reach. A pebble thrown anywhere in the world of grain is felt as ripples by Washington’s 13,000 growers and their landlords.