The Food Grains Analysis Group conducts policy and market analysis on wheat, rice, and pulses and advises USDA policymakers on programs for these crops. They project program outlays and commodity loans; analyze market and policy information for setting loan rates for rice, dry peas, lentils, and small chickpeas; and provide input for determining the weekly loan repayment rate for rice. The group is also a major contributor to the Department's monthly and baseline forecasts of supply, demand, and prices for food grains.

Food grain acreage accounts for nearly 20 percent of the U.S. crop area. Annual CCC net expenditures on food grains have averaged $3.4 billion, or 15 percent of the total for all commodities and programs during fiscal years 2000-2005. Monitoring markets and policies for food grains are critical for sound policymaking decisions and for timely and cost-effective delivery of program benefits.