The Vitality and Importance of Wheat

Looking ahead to outlook of the 2026 wheat industry as an American grower may be a
time of uncertainty. Farmers are currently in a tough spot as they’ve dealt with low crop prices,
high fertilizer and equipment prices for the past two years. Many are holding onto their grain
instead of a selling at significant loss. Due to the new tariffs, Oregon wheat growers have
experienced difficult times with the lowering of their sale prices forcing some to take second
jobs or struggle financially. Have we really ever stopped to think about the importance of the
Oregon wheat industry?

Considering the fact that roughly 2% of the population is responsible for feeding the rest
of us, it’s no wonder people have a hard time understanding the complexity of agriculture and
the wheat industry.

Years ago, the railroad expanded dramatically which made it more affordable to ship
wheat to Portland. The industry slowly grew to become the number one agricultural export out of
the state. Oregon’s wheat industry is responsible for nearly 6,000 jobs and produce roughly 1.5
million tons of wheat annually. Today, over 90% of the wheat grown in the state is exported
from the Port of Portland and SW Washington to mostly Asian countries like, South Korea, the
Philippines and Indonesia. Much of the wheat produced is ideal for noodles, dumplings, flatbread
and other pastries.

Beyond its economic impact and export value, wheat is a major staple food and nutritional
source. It’s a source of complex carbohydrates, fiber, B vitamins, and iron, essential for energy
and nutrition. According to U.S Wheat Associates, wheat accounts for roughly 20% of the
world’s calorie intake. This makes it one of the most important staple foods in both developed
and developing countries. U.S wheat is an important tool in international food aid and
humanitarian programs, helping feed people in uncertainty and crisis situations.
Its affordability and ability to be stored and transported efficiently make it essential for long
scale food production. From bagels and cereal, to bread and pasta, wheat helps ensure consistent
access to nutritious and familiar foods all around the world.

During the summer of 2025, Argentina jumped into the statistics of one of the most
successful wheat producers. Argentina’s production rates soared up by more than 50% driving
the price down and making it more difficult to sell U.S wheat. When Argentina exports large
volumes of wheat, it increases the total supply on the global market. Due to lower world prices,
Oregon growers may receive less per bushel despite producing premium wheat varieties.

Despite this competition, Oregon wheat remains vital because the growers help ensure food
supply diversity. This reduces reliance on any single country. Although wheat can be produced
in other parts of the world, Oregon wheat is essential to world food production to ensure all
markets have affordable wheat if weather or other factors decrease wheat production. Despite
facing low prices, rising input costs, and increased global competition, Oregon wheat growers
continue to persevere through the uncertainty. Supporting Oregon’s wheat industry means
supporting food security and the small percentage of farmers who work consistently to feed the
rest of the world. Ensuring their success isn’t simply an investment in agriculture, it’s an
investment in our future.

2026 Scholarship Essay: Sophia Seeder