Due to rapid growth in the white corn tortilla and snack food industries in Mexico, importers are looking to the United States for white corn exports. Last week, the U.S. Grains Council wrapped up a tour, escorting a small team of Mexico’s largest white corn importers to Kentucky and Missouri, which are among the U.S. leaders in white corn production.

“Having the team meet directly with farmers in Kentucky and Missouri was very beneficial,” said Julio Hernandez, USGC director in Mexico who escorted the group. “They were extremely impressed with this year’s corn and the sophistication of the U.S. corn farmer in terms of equipment and efficiency.”

The team also met with USDA and several trading groups to discuss white corn purchasing and logistics.

“The team received an in-depth preview of quality and testing of U.S. grains and was interested in hearing presentations about U.S. white corn supply and demand,” Hernandez said. “Following the meeting, a few of the team members began communications with the traders for contracting white corn in the future.”

Agriculture is a U.S. trade champion – one of the few sectors that generates a consistent trade surplus and economic growth and jobs across America. Yet exports don’t just happen – they are won, one market and one sale at a time. The Mexican team’s travel was funded through the Market Access Program (MAP), a public-private partnership through which cooperators like the Council’s work with the Foreign Agricultural Service to enhance export opportunities for U.S. producers. MAP is among the many proven programs dependent on a timely reauthorization of the Farm Bill.