February 3, 2026 – Today, the North American Millers’ Association (NAMA) celebrates a monumental milestone in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) administration of the flagship U.S. international food aid program Food for Peace. USDA’s plan to spend over $450 million in FY 2025 program funds is a much-needed and welcome revival of the program. U.S. millers stand willing and ready to help supply those in need across the globe with high-nutrition, American-grown commodities. NAMA applauds the leadership of President Trump, USDA Secretary Rollins, USDA Undersecretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Lindberg, and all of the USDA staff responsible for saving Food for Peace.
In late December, after a year of uncertainty around the home of Food for Peace post-USAID and a drastic drop in food aid shipments last year, an interagency agreement allowed USDA to take the lead operating the farm bill-authorized, agriculture-appropriated program. NAMA has led the coalition of more than 80 other organizations advocating for the transition of the administration of Food for Peace Title II to USDA given the department’s proven track record of administering all of the other U.S. in-kind food aid programs. This latest announcement is a prime example of how USDA is, and always has been, the rightful home of Food for Peace.
“USDA is fulfilling the American promise, and original intent, of Food for Peace, by using our bountiful agricultural resources to help those facing famine emergencies around the world,” said NAMA Vice President of Government Affairs Kim Z Cooper. “NAMA is thrilled to see USDA’s steadfast leadership in the successful administration of this life-saving program that allows U.S. millers to continue to serve as the link between American-grown grain and the highly nutritious products that help feed those facing famine emergencies around the world. We always knew USDA had the heart, talent, and sound judgement to run Food for Peace, and they keep proving us right. Now, it is time for Congress to act and make USDA’s operation of this America First program permanent.”
The U.S. has a long history of administering the largest, most reliable, and most effective food assistance programs in the world. Through the flagship Food for Peace program, American agriculture has fed more than four billion people in over 150 countries since its inception in 1954, while building markets for American farm exports. The funding announced today will be used to send nearly 211,000 tons of U.S. agricultural goods to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Guatemala, Haiti, Kenya, and Rwanda.
As hunger continues to grow around the world, there is strong demand for nutritious, American-grown foods. Food aid purchases not only feed those abroad, but help to support farmers facing tough economic headwinds and utilize excess mill capacity, at no additional cost to the American taxpayer.
About NAMA:
NAMA is the only national trade association that exclusively represents the interests of the North American wheat, corn, oat, and rye milling industry before Congress, federal agencies, and international regulatory bodies. Member companies operate mills in 30+ states, Puerto Rico, and Canada, representing more than 90 percent of total industry production capacity.
The North American Millers’ Association is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Persons who require alternative means of communication for program information should contact [email protected] or 202-484-2200.