Now that initial emergency efforts in tsunami stricken areas are giving way to longer term humanitarian relief, the U.S. Wheat organizations are working to help ensure that the hundreds of thousands of displaced children get the high energy biscuits they need to maintain caloric and nutritional levels.

To meet the need, the four national Wheat organizations--U.S. Wheat Associates, the Wheat Export Trade Education Committee, the National Association of Wheat Growers, and the Wheat Foods Council--have organized a fundraising opportunity for American Wheat producers, industry colleagues and any other member of the public to make financial contributions directly to the NAWG Foundation, noting that the donation should be directed to "Tsunami Relief." The national organizations are undertaking the fundraising in cooperation with several member state Wheat organizations.

The collected funds will be used for the production and distribution of high energy biscuits for dislocated populations in tsunami-affected areas. The Foundation will work with U.S. Wheat Associates staff in South Asia, who will ensure that the funds are appropriately used for relief efforts. All funds raised will go directly to buying and distributing food.

The organizations have dedicated this effort to the memory of former USW and WETEC chairman Henry Jo Von Tungeln, an Oklahoma Wheat grower and national agricultural leader who died a year ago from complications caused by cancer. In January 2002, watching the first Cuba-bound ship being loaded with U.S. wheat, Von Tungeln addressed the gathered crowd. "Can't you just feel the hope in the air?" he said. "It's almost as pervasive, and just as sweet, as the aroma of fresh bread right out of the oven." He noted then that it was "past time that U.S. Wheat should be made into bread for the children of Cuba." We think he would be pleased to know that the U.S. Wheat producers were working together, now, to bring some hope and necessary Wheat products to the children in tsunami-stricken areas.

Contributions made to the NAWG Foundation are tax deductible. Checks can be sent to the NAWG Foundation, 415 Second Street NE, Suite 300, Washington DC 20002-4993. Please note "Tsunami Relief" in the memo field or by a cover letter. The Foundation is now able to accept secure credit card donations at the NAWG website, www.wheatworld.org.

Date: 1/27/05

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