December 18, 2024 – Today, in response to the release of the Further Continuing Appropriations and Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2025, the Oregon Wheat Growers League issued a statement in support, urging passage of the critical legislation.

Wade Bingaman, Oregon Wheat Growers League President, outlined the need for the investment included in the end of year package, noting that “Wheat producers are facing a challenging combination of elevated input costs, coupled with reduced market prices. We have seen significant deterioration in the overall financial situation for individual farms. Economic assistance included in this package is an essential bridge for sustaining farms and our agricultural communities.”

The League appreciates Congressional leaders who responded to messages from farmers. President Bingaman stated, “We thank the leadership for their work to ensure assistance is included in this package to address the severe downturn in the agriculture economy.” The League joins the National Association of Wheat Growers and additional agricultural and banking groups in a unified effort urging for the passage of the legislative package, as well as a commitment to working on a long term Farm Bill with the 119^th Congress. We remain resolute in working with lawmakers to get the right Farm Bill passed that provides long-term certainty for growers. A full Farm Bill is critical to maintaining the production of vital food crops, the productivity of our farmlands, and the continued flow of jobs, investment and tax revenues from our operations and supply chains.

“The PNW wheat industry supports and encourages new technologies that increase producer profitability and will help feed the growing world population. At the same time, we remain committed to providing our customers with the quality and reliability they have come to expect from PNW wheat.

“It is important to understand that the APHIS approval process is different than commercialization. This announcement provides a pathway to future commercialization of the HB4^® trait in wheat in the United States, however the scientific process is lengthy, and it is unlikely that the trait will be commercially grown or available for at least three to five years. We can still confidently say that no genetically modified (GM) wheat is currently being cultivated commercially in the United States.

“The PNW wheat industry has always been a global leader in wheat quality by focusing on the high standards for end-use characteristics driven by our export customers. PNW wheat breeding has been acutely focused on, and responsive to, the needs of our export markets. The region will continue to provide a reliable supply of high-quality grains and wheat foods that customers know and expect."

June 30, 2022- As Congress prepares for the next Farm Bill, the National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) shared their 2023 Farm Bill priorities. The Oregon Wheat Growers League (OWGL) expresses appreciation for the national wheat priorities and the active engagement throughout the process to establish priorities that reflect our needs and provide an opportunity for advocacy with our Members of Congress. OWGL supports members throughout the state who depend on the Farm Bill programs to manage risk and provide a safety net for producers, ensure market access overseas, and offer incentives for conservation.

OWGL President Ben Maney stated that “The NAWG priorities closely align with Oregon wheat priorities to advocate for the needs of our producers.” As lawmakers continue to review the 2018 Farm Bill and start crafting the next Farm Bill, wheat growers will be advocating for these priorities with lawmakers on Capitol Hill to develop programs that will help wheat growers manage risk, ensure conservation programs work on the farm and enhance U.S. trade that supports rural America. The priorities include:

• Protecting crop insurance, to ensure growers have a strong and reliable safety net that provides assistance to wheat growers when needed in times of disaster.
• Supporting the financial and technical assistance provided through voluntary conservation programs.
• Increasing the reference price for wheat in Title I to cover the cost of production more accurately.
• Enhancing USDA’s market access and development programs to enhance trade.

Continued funding for these programs in the upcoming Farm Bill is critical to maintaining the production of vital food crops, the productivity of our farmlands, and the continued flow of jobs, investment and tax revenues from our operations and supply chains. “From risk protection through crop insurance to enhancing market access, the Farm Bill provides essential support to wheat producers in Oregon,” stated Oregon Wheat Growers League President Ben Maney. “We are looking forward to working with our legislators on these priorities for the upcoming Farm Bill."