and meet the future needs of more advanced vehicles by taking advantage of the benefits of higher ethanol blends. The Next Generation Fuel Act would gradually ramp up the use of homegrown ethanol at U.S. gas stations. NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF WHEAT GROWERS According to NAWG CEO Chandler Goule, the NAWG will continue to focus on advocating their Farm Bill priorities in 2023. Throughout 2022, NAWG offices testified during several Congressional hearings about the Farm Bill. The fallout of Russia's invasion of Ukraine surprised the wheat industry, generating significant uncertainty for U.S. wheat growers. The resulting volatility in grain markets and continued increase in prices for key inputs like fuel and fertilizer is a serious concern. 22 Given the uncertainties surrounding the duration of the conflict, the NAWG expects volatility to continue in the market and have an impact on world supplies. While wheat growers face continued volatility in 2023, they believe the 2023 Farm Bill provides the opportunity to make improvements and afford stability for producers. Crop insurance is NAWG's number one priority. According to Goule, crop insurance is an incredibly important tool to help farmers mitigate their risk, and it is essential that the new legislation maintain the program's effectiveness and accessibility as a primary tool to help avert cropping disasters. NAWG is advocating for new enhancements to the crop insurance program in the 2023 Farm Bill and updating the current reference price to accurately reflect the current cost of production. U.S. wheat farmers rely on rail transportation to deliver their harvest from their farms to domestic or international consumers, making transportation another key priority area of the Farm Bill. Since the pandemic, growers have experienced a reduction in the quality and quantity of rail service. NAWG will also continue to address these concerns and expects rail service discussions to continue in 2023. Looking ahead, NAWG will be advocating for wheat growers to help craft a Farm Bill that benefits wheat farmers and American agriculture in 2023. In addition to protecting crop insurance, the organization's priorities for the new legislation include supporting financial and technical assistance provided through voluntary conservation programs and enhancing USDA's market access and development programs to enhance trade. l RAIL TRANSPORTATION IS RELIED UPON IN THE U.S. TO DELIVER HARVEST FROM U.S. WHEAT FARMERS. continued from page 21
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