U.S. agricultural exports have earned a place in the sun and you can too this February! The U.S. Grains Council is pleased to announce registration is now open for its 11th International Marketing Conference and 54th Annual Membership Meeting Feb. 10-12, 2014. Beneath the golden rays of sunshine in Long Beach, Calif., this year’s annual meeting will feature discussions on key developments in the global market, including import policies, the future of freight and transportation, and strategies in global food security.

“U.S. exports have rebounded from the worst drought in decades to reach a record-breaking value of $140.9 billion in fiscal year 2013,” said Julius Schaaf, USGC chairman. “The Council’s 2014 theme, ‘Partnerships and Possibilities’, emphasizes how U.S. agricultural exports were able to rally. This past year, the Council tirelessly promoted U.S. feed grains and co-products to importers, end-users and key officials to build relations and create new opportunities. Now these possibilities are becoming realities.”

In the ever-changing global market, the Council acts as a trusted bridge between international customers and U.S. agriculture.

“The Council’s global network in more than 50 countries gives our members an invaluable in-country presence,” Schaaf said. “The Council’s February meeting is your once-a-year chance to interact directly with the Council’s international staff and to hear firsthand how they are working to ensure your views are heard around the world.”

In addition to networking, this meeting is where USGC Advisory Teams gather and sector meetings are held to review global strategies and set an operational course for the Council for the coming years.

“Producer, agribusiness and industry input is critical as we develop our program planning instrument, the Unified Export Strategy (UES),” Schaaf said. “The UES is the Council’s guide to fostering economic development, enhancing food security of nations around the world, and sustaining and growing the profitability of U.S. agriculture. As always, our goal is to ensure the United States remains the world’s most reliable, transparent, and trusted partner in advancing global food security through trade.”

Online registration is now available by clicking here.

Check out the Council’s website for details. Be there this February and register today!