U.S. Grains Council (USGC) Consultant Loyola Torán passed away last week after a remarkable life and career that included more than 20 years of advocating for U.S. farmers in Europe.
“Loyola was the type of person that never met a stranger and was a very kind man in every sense of the word,” said Ryan LeGrand, USGC president and CEO. “He was very dedicated to the mission of the Council, and he will be dearly missed.”
Torán’s role with the Council focused on capacity building and market intelligence on the agricultural and financial realities of markets in the Iberian Peninsula and the European Union, and he had vast experience in international grain trade before joining the Council.
“Among his numerous accomplishments during his time with the Council was building Spain into a consistent market for U.S. distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) and creating immense value for U.S. corn and sorghum growers. Spain has seen multiple years importing more than one million tons of both U.S. corn and U.S. sorghum – something that would not have happened without his efforts,” said Ramy Taieb, USGC regional director for Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
“While the importance of his work should not be understated, he would tell you that the most important thing in his life was his family. Loyola was a devoted husband, father and grandfather, and his love for his wife, children and grandchildren was evident in his speech and his actions. Loyola will be missed by us all. May we remember him for his many accomplishments, his good humor and his care for those around him.”
“I once asked Loyola why he continued to work for the Council after all these years,” said Kurt Shultz, USGC senior director of global strategies. “He responded that he took great pride in being part of the Council and its mission to develop markets, enable trade and improve lives. That pride was evident to all who met him. Loyola was the first consultant I hired when I joined the Tunis office in 2004, and it has been a wonderful adventure ever since. Loyola will be missed by all whose lives he has touched. My life is richer because of him.”
The Council and its members extend best wishes to Loyola’s family and friends.
About The U.S. Grains Council
The U.S. Grains Council develops export markets for U.S. barley, corn, sorghum and related products including distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS) and ethanol. With full-time presence in 28 locations, the Council operates programs in more than 50 countries and the European Union. The Council believes exports are vital to global economic development and to U.S. agriculture’s profitability. Detailed information about the Council and its programs is online at www.grains.org.