Washington, D.C. (January 12, 2026) – The National Association of Wheat Growers CEO Sam Kieffer issued the following statement in response to news of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reaching an interagency agreement allowing USDA to operate the Food for Peace program.
“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. NAWG is thrilled to see this agreement between USDA and the State Department and thanks the Trump Administration for initiating this common-sense move. Having USDA manage Food for Peace strengthens the program’s stability, ensures continued market opportunities for American grown crops, and safeguards in-kind food aid for the people around the world who need it most. While this agreement provides near-term certainty, we call on Congress to pass H.R. 1207 and S. 525 to permanently transfer Food for Peace to USDA.”
