|
Other Program Highlights 2000
Wheat Export Trade Education Committee
The Wheat Export Trade Education Committee, based in Washington, D.C. is affiliated with U.S.
Wheat Associates and sponsored by wheat checkoff programs in wheat states across the nation, including Minnesota. The purpose of WETEC is to educate the industry and members of Congress on trade issues facing the
U.S. wheat industry. In its role as an information source, WETEC monitors, analyzes and disseminates international trade information about administrative and legislative decisions influencing wheat exports to the
public, press, producers, agribusiness leaders and policy makers.
Northern Crops Institute
Located on the campus of North Dakota State University in Fargo, NCI is funded in part by commodity groups in four states,
including the MWRPC, to teach foreign buyers and users how to purchase and process hard red spring wheat and other northern-grown crops.
Education and Information
The Council works closely with the Minnesota Association of Wheat Growers to educate and inform growers and the public
about wheat-related issues. Working together, the Council and the MAWG have established a top-notch communications network, including a twice-monthly newsletter, the Prairie Grains magazine, and an
award-winning web site, www.smallgrains.org.
Cooperating for Administrative Efficiency
The MWRPC and MAWG cooperate through a program agreement for administrative efficiency. Many wheat states
have separate staffs and different office facilities for their wheat checkoff commissions and wheat growers associations. In Minnesota, however, the wheat council and the growers association have two separate
boards of directors, but share staff, office equipment, and facilities, to maximize administrative efficiency.
Ag in the Classroom
The 2000/01 school year marks the 15th anniversary for this unique public/private partnership dedicated to increase
agricultural literacy in Minnesota classrooms.
Wheat Quality Council
Based in Pierre, S.D., this is a coordinated effort by the wheat and baking industries to affect wheat quality issues
domestically and abroad.
It tests up and coming wheat varieties of all U.S. wheat classes to evaluate milling and baking quality. Flour samples milled from elite lines are tested for functional and nutritional needs of food processors before they are released as varieties. Results of these tests are then published and sent to all WQC members. These tests allow breeders to make adjustments in their potential varieties. They also allow millers and bakers to become cognizant of the milling and baking characteristics of different future varieties, and provide information about how each variety’s processing performance can be influenced by environmental conditions.
MN Agri-Growth Council
Membership in this Twin Cities-based organization enables the MWRPC to help promote education on food and agriculture, and
to encourage research regarding agriculture in a united effort involving other Minnesota agricultural commodities.
American Coalition for Ethanol
The Council through membership in this organization helps to promote the use of ethanol across the nation.
Regional Agricultural Support
The Council provides funding support, wheat foods, or wheat-promotional materials for many shows and events in
Minnesota each year, including county crop shows and fairs, American Cancer Society health and nutrition educational displays, the University of Minnesota Ag Awareness Day, Agri-Women’s Conference/Harvest of
Knowledge, farmers share breakfasts, and MN Farmers Elevator Association functions.
|
