Grain Origination by U.S. and International Customers: International Quality Needs and Specifications for Wheat About half of the wheat produced each year in the United States is exported to various markets. Major destinations for U.S. wheat are Asia (44%) and Latin America and the Caribbean (40%), with the balance going to Europe and Africa (16%). The Wheat Marketing Center (WMC) in Portland, OR, and U.S. Wheat Associates (USW) in Arlington, VA are two of the organizations involved in promoting U.S. wheat exports. They work together to educate customers about the high quality of U.S. wheat and how they can utilize that quality to its full potential in their end products. This article discusses how U.S. and international customers purchase U.S. wheat, including how wheat variety development is tracked, new crops are evaluated, and market information is gathered and disseminated. Similarities and differences in grain origination between U.S. and international millers are briefly described, as well as factors affecting the value of wheat, contract specifications, and other purchasing considerations. New trends affecting the U.S. wheat market and how growers are responding to meet new demands are noted. |