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November 3, 2000

Wheat export standards toughened

Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman has further toughened standards for the cleanliness of U.S. wheat exports destined for overseas food aid.

He lowered the maximum acceptable dockage level for wheat purchased by USDA's Commodity Credit Corporation and used for international food assistance from 0.8 percent to 0.7 percent.

He also said USDA is planning to further tighten the acceptable dockage level to 0.6 percent in fiscal year 2002 and to 0.5 percent in fiscal year 2003.

Dockage includes all matter other than wheat that must be removed prior to milling the wheat into flour. USDA's Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration measures and reports dockage on each export shipment.

"The competitiveness of U.S. wheat in the global market depends on its reputation for quality and value," Glickman said. "By tightening our standards, we can help improve the competitiveness of our wheat exports."

CCC purchases for government donation programs have historically been at the 1.0 percent dockage level, the level often used in U.S. commercial purchases.

In June, Glickman announced that the U.S. would require a dockage level of 0.8 percent or less for future wheat purchases for foreign food assistance.