Opportunity for US Wheat Farmers Through New Program

The Regional Agriculture Promotion Program is a newly established project by the Commodity Credit Corporation aimed at providing funding for purchasing commodities for food aid and export market development. Steve Mercer, vice president of communications at US Wheat Associates explains the initiative they are.

“Thye are going to put forward a billion dollars to purchase commodities for food aid in Africa. Hard red winter is one of the commodities that has been purchased and shipped to Kenya specifically in other areas in Africa, including soft white wheat, out of the Pacific Northwest.”

Mercer explains the US Wheat Associates' mission is to provide guidance and advocate for preserving the food aspect in food aid. RAPP also includes a regional component that enhances export market opportunities and fosters better relationships.

“The countries where we have a very strong trade relationship where agricultural products move towards this money would probably not be earmarked for that. But in those areas where we want to develop stronger relationships, politically and otherwise. So probably Africa, Middle East, South America, possibly, you know those areas. So we'll find out more about specifically those earmarks for those funding.”

For more information, log on to us wheat.org