LETTER: Sustaining Columbia Basin agriculture through USAID
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Dear Editor,
In the expansive fields of the Columbia Basin, our farmers’ dedication yields abundant harvests that have long extended beyond our region, reaching those in dire need across the globe.
The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has been instrumental in this outreach, procuring American-grown crops to combat global hunger while sustaining local farming communities. For decades, USAID has ensured that surplus wheat, apples and potatoes from Washington state feed millions worldwide. In 2023 alone, Washington’s agricultural exports totaled $7.5 billion, a significant portion of which found its way to foreign markets and humanitarian programs through USAID initiatives. These partnerships not only provide global relief but also maintain stable markets for local farmers, strengthening our regional economy.
The recent freeze on USAID funding threatens this crucial lifeline. Without these programs, our farmers face surplus crops with limited buyers, leading to financial strain, while food-insecure communities abroad are left vulnerable.
President Ronald Reagan once said, “American agriculture is not only a cornerstone of the economy, but it also feeds the world.”
This truth resonates now more than ever. USAID’s agricultural programs represent a small fraction of the federal budget, yet their impact is profound — preventing famines, stabilizing regions, and supporting American farmers.
In the Columbia Basin, we know that when our fields thrive, so do our communities and, by extension, countless others across the world.
I urge our neighbors and elected officials to advocate for the full restoration of USAID funding. By doing so, we honor the hard work of our farmers and reaffirm our commitment to global responsibility and local prosperity.
Sincerely,
John Simpson
Humanitarian Assistance Officer
USAID