Council’s LTA Office Joins ATM In Chile

Last week, the U.S. Grains Council’s (USGC’s) Regional Director in Latin America (LTA) Marri Tejada, the CEO for Kansas Corn Josh Roe and LTA Regional Ethanol Consultant Juan Diaz joined the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Trade Mission (ATM) in Chile. The ATM, led by Undersecretary Alexis Taylor, aimed to strengthen commercial ties between the United States and Chile after celebrating 20 years of a trade promotion agreement and 200 years of diplomatic relations.

The delegation had the opportunity to brief Undersecretary Taylor on the Council’s activities in the country to promote the use of ethanol, which was also instrumental in shaping the narrative during a meeting between the USDA and the Chilean Ministry of Environment.

“Receiving the support of USDA and its leaders represents considerable progress in our activities in Chile. After Undersecretary Taylor’s meetings with the government, our counterparts are now aligned and willing to continue assessing the benefits an E10 program might bring to the Chileans,” Diaz said.

In addition, the Council had a productive agenda with the Ministry of Energy and the National Refinery (ENAP), that included the review of future activities and exploring opportunities around the production of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) following the Alcohol to Jet (ATJ) route. The Council was able to meet the largest distributor and retailer in Chile, COPEC, that expressed its support in adopting an ethanol program in the country.

“Josh Roe’s participation was crucial in sharing the vast experience that Kansas has in using ethanol, and particularly the economic value that refineries in the state have seen out of the ethanol blend,” Diaz said.

This activity is part of Council’s efforts to develop and expand the market for ethanol in Latin America by promoting studies and assessments on ethanol as a technical and scientific basis for informed decision-making by policymakers, private sector representatives and consumers in general.

“We expect to continue strengthening our relationships with our Chilean counterparts. We are envisioning that all the assessments conducted by the Chilean authorities will lead to adopting a blend mandate with the same grade of confidence we have enjoyed in the United States,” Tejada said.