A recent government shake-up is casting a shadow over the future of U.S. international food assistance, a system that has long relied on American agricultural commodities, including soybeans, to feed hungry populations worldwide.
The American Soybean Association (ASA) and other agricultural groups are now scrambling to protect key programs like Food for Peace, which has historically been a major consumer of U.S. soy products.
The turmoil began in late January when the new Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, targeted the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) for massive cuts. An executive order signed by President Trump suspended new foreign development assistance for three months, leading to the abrupt termination of USAID’s website and staff layoffs.
This action has thrown the long-standing Food for Peace program into disarray. While the program’s future is uncertain, what little remains of USAID is being merged into the State Department. This move has raised significant concerns about the continuity and effectiveness of food aid, as many organizations are still waiting for waivers to continue their humanitarian work.
For decades, the Food for Peace program, authorized by the farm bill and administered by USAID, has provided in-kind donations of U.S.-grown commodities—including soy-based products like vegetable oil and corn-soy blend—to communities in need. In fiscal year 2024 alone, USAID procured roughly $110 million worth of U.S. soy for the program.
The ASA is taking a firm stand, arguing that U.S.-grown commodities must remain a cornerstone of food aid. Foreseeing the logistical challenges of moving the program to the State Department, the ASA and its allies are advocating for a legislative solution to place Food for Peace under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
The USDA already oversees two other major food aid programs, McGovern-Dole Food for Education and Food for Progress, and the ASA believes the agency possesses the necessary expertise to ensure a seamless transition and continued delivery of U.S. commodities.
The stakes are high. Beyond humanitarian concerns, food aid programs have historically paved the way for long-term trade relationships. The article notes that Japan and South Korea, once recipients of U.S. food aid, are now two of the most important export markets for American soy.
As the administration continues its government reform efforts, the ASA vows to continue advocating for these vital international food assistance programs, underscoring their importance for both global communities and the American agricultural industry.
