Looking for dynamic information about the next hot topic in the global grain trade? The U.S. Grains Council’s (USGC’s) 55th Annual Board of Delegates Meeting scheduled for Montreal, Canada, from July 27-29, 2015, is your place to find just that.
For those three days, the Council invites members of the media to join USGC members in learning about emerging opportunities and competitive challenges in the international grains marketplace. Hot topics will include the industry’s new ethanol export initiative; the status of trade policy negotiations and their importance to U.S. grain sales; opportunities and challenges related to biotechnology; and United States’ rebounding market share in Latin America, North Africa, the Middle East and Southeast Asia.
The goal of the meeting is for attendees to gain a refreshed perspective on the global awareness and global connections that make the Council an effective advocate for expanded trade around the world.
Confirmed topics include:
- A keynote presentation about current U.S. and global supply and demand outlook by Nick Hoyt, Informa Economics vice president.
- A look into the potential impact of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) on both Canadian and U.S. ag markets by panelists including Alexis Taylor, deputy undersecretary for the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Nick Giordano, vice president and counsel for international affairs at the National Pork Producers Council.
- The industry’s new ethanol export initiative as seen by leaders of Renewable Fuels Association, Growth Energy and Green Plains Renewable Energy.
- A farewell speech by Byong Ryol Min, USGC director of Korea, who will retire in October after 35 years with the Council.
- An examination of the European Union’s place in the global market by Deirdre Webb, Irish Grain and Feed Association director.
- Ways to promote access to scientific innovation and biotechnology to the public by Jaron Porciello, Cornell Alliance for Science member.
- The connection between biotechnology and trade by Mary Boote Roth, Truth About Trade and Technology chief executive officer.
- Insights into Canada’s St. Lawrence Seaway and the grain that travels its waters by Allister Paterson, Canada Steamship Lines, Inc. president.
Members of the media who plan to attend this event are requested to:
- Register online as media attendees;
- Secure their hotel room as soon as possible, no later than June 26; and
- Contact USGC’s Director of Communications Melissa Kessler at mkessler@grains.org for more information and to schedule interviews in advance.