The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) announced today its decision to deregulate the drought-tolerate HB4® trait in wheat. The wheat commissions of Idaho, Oregon, and Washington, representing Pacific Northwest (PNW) wheat producers, provided the following statement to address some of the questions that may arise from this announcement, especially from our valued customers around the world:

From 2012 to 2022, the U.S. saw its market share drop by 0.2 percentage points, making it the second-largest exporter to the Southeast Asia, following China. However, the value of U.S. agricultural exports to Asia has grown by $4.8 billion over the last decade. U.S. exports face growing competition from countries like Brazil and Australia. In 2022, wheat was among the top U.S. exports to Southeast Asia, valued at $1.46 billion. As the demand for commodities like wheat continues to rise in Southeast Asia, Idaho's wheat production plays a vital role in meeting this growing need, highlighting the importance of maintaining competitive advantages in global markets.

The updated Columbia River Treaty between the U.S. and Canada is set to bring "certainty and stability" in areas such as power generation, flood risk management, and ecosystem flows. Representatives from U.S. agencies emphasized the treaty as a "win-win" for both nations. The modernized treaty, which still requires detailed amendments, will ensure more predictable operations for power generation, flood-risk management, and water allocation for agriculture, among other benefits. This is particularly significant for regions like Idaho, where agriculture heavily depends on stable water resources from the Columbia River System.

Researchers from the University of Idaho found that increasing diversity in agricultural systems benefits soil arthropods, which in turn can enhance crop productivity, including Idaho wheat. Soil arthropods, such as mites, beetles, and centipedes, play a critical role in soil health by decomposing crop residue and interacting with microbial communities, which supports crop growth. This led to deeper root growth and increased above-ground biomass in wheat, highlighting the importance of maintaining healthy soil arthropod populations for the profitability and sustainability of Idaho wheat production.

The University of Idaho is accepting first-round applications for the Innovative Agriculture and Marketing Partnership (IAMP), a climate-focused initiative designed to help Idaho farmers and ranchers adopt practices that reduce climate impact. This program, funded by a five-year, $55 million USDA grant, targets the production of Idaho's key commodities, including wheat, potatoes, sugar beets, barley, hops, chickpeas, and beef. Idaho wheat farmers, in particular, can benefit from this program by adopting these climate-smart practices, which not only contribute to sustainability but also open up new market opportunities.

Offered by the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences and the College of Business and Economics, the new minor focuses on hands-on learning to prepare students for careers in commodity trading, merchandising, and risk management. The program includes a one-credit summer course, the Portland Grain Trade Tour, which will explore the logistics of the wheat supply chain from Idaho's Snake River dams to the export terminals in Portland. The involvement of the Idaho Wheat Commission and the emphasis on critical commodities, like wheat, underscores the importance of this education in navigating the agricultural markets of the Pacific Northwest.

U.S. Wheat Associates (USW) ensures customers get the wheat they need at the best value by providing essential market and crop updates. Collaborating with traders, specialists, and USDA staff, USW regularly analyzes and updates these resources. A major tool in this effort is the 2024 Harvest Report, published every Friday during the harvest season. The report offers updates on harvest progress, crop conditions, and quality for various wheat types. It is integral to USW's international technical and marketing programs, helping customers understand how the crop situation might influence prices. The report is widely shared by USW's overseas offices, often in local languages, and is a vital resource for meetings and customer inquiries. Click the link above to subscribe and have the price and harvest reports sent directy to you.