An Ag Export Coalition wants the Senate to pass legislation to expand the Market Access and Foreign Market Development Programs. The Cultivating Revitalization by Expanding American Agricultural Trade and Exports bill or CREAATE Act would increase MAP and FMD funding. South Dakota Wheat Commission Executive Director Reid Christopherson says having more funding for those market programs would be beneficial for wheat growers currently plagued by low commodity prices.

He says the global wheat competition has picked up in the past two years due to excellent growing conditions worldwide and that’s putting economic pressure on U.S. wheat growers.

Christopherson says the CREAATE Act should give an optimistic boost to America’s wheat producers.

The current MAP funding is authorized at $ 200 million per year while FMD funding is at $ 34.5 million per year.