The United States will supply 300,000 metric tons of this tender. Under this new program, USDA would purchase U.S. agricultural commodities at prevailing market prices for concessional sales to foreign buyers. The letter suggests that priority in FAMD be given to markets experiencing a temporary need for food aid because of macroeconomic or other problems, but likely to resume commercial purchases in the future. The wheat will be donated to countries such as Indonesia and Sudan, which have tremendous humanitarian needs. Moving forward with the initiative suggested by the Republican members of the Senate Agriculture Committee would serve to complement USDA's donation program.
Agriculture is the most protected industry in most foreign countries.
To maintain and increase farm income, we must expand exports and improve our market share. Senate Republicans support efforts to pursue trade negotiations that continue to knock down tariff and non-tariff barriers. The effort to revive fast track negotiating authority is favored by many Republicans as a means to bolster export of farm products. This authority would allow for expeditious consideration by Congress of any new, proposed trade agreement, without amendment. Previous Congresses have seen trade as crucial to a strong American economy and new, better-paying jobs for American workers.