| Since July 1, 2012: | The Nebraska Wheat Board (NWB) invests excise tax funds into the following areas:A.Research: Research efforts continue to focus on the development of new varieties and improvement of production practices. The NWB contracts with the University of Nebraskas Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources wheat breeding team for research on wheat variety improvement in both the hard red, hard white winter wheat, and hybrid wheat varieties. Additional research is funded to look at combating diseases and pests that affect wheat crop yields, and to examine the benefits of biotechnology. Research improving the quality of Nebraskas wheat crop enhances the crops appeal in foreign markets and increases export opportunities.B.Education and Promotion: The NWB educates consumers at many events annually, as well as through the distribution of a wide variety of digital and print media. In addition to its student internship program, an Ag Ambassador Program was developed to educate college students on the wheat industry, which enables them to interact with wheat producers, students, and consumers to increase excitement and interest in Nebraska Wheat. The NWB also works with the Nebraska Wheat Growers Association to inform the public of the nutritional value of wheat in a healthy diet. In conjunction with the Wheat Marketing Center, the NWB funds a wheat export and marketing workshop for producers which provides them with the opportunity to learn about wheat and flour quality testing, tour port facilities and processing companies, the Federal Grain Inspection Services, and the role of the U.S. Wheat Associates in promoting and marketing U.S. wheat. C.Domestic Marketing: The NWB has supported the Wheat Foods Council in their work with an Olympic-caliber athlete to advocate for gluten. In addition, connecting consumers to farmers through the promotions done with the Mobile Baking Lab has been a large part of marketing efforts. Finally, the development of a video series addressing farm issues on a domestic level has helped market wheat issues. D.International Marketing: Foreign wheat markets are developed and export sales promoted through U.S. Wheat Associates (a partnership of the board and 18 other state wheat commissions) with offices throughout the world, and with Plains Grains, Inc., an organization of hard red winter wheat growing plains states. The board also works with organizations such as the Wheat Foods Council, the Grain Foods Foundation, the Wheat Quality Council, and the Wheat Marketing Center.E.Policy Development: Working with the National Association of Wheat Growers, the board is able to address various wheat quality and trade issues, as well as the development of transgenic traits in wheat production, particularly as they relate to federal farm policy.Nebraska Wheat Board members also serve in varying capacities on boards of a number of national organizations, which include: U.S. Wheat Associates, Wheat Marketing Center, Wheat Foods Council, Plains Grains Inc., and the Wheat Quality Council. |