As a member-led organization, the U.S. Grains Council (USGC) realizes its strength comes from the engagement and participation of its delegates and stakeholders. Membership in the Council brings considerable value to any organization involved with the international grains trade.
As a USGC member you receive benefits including:
- access to strategic market information and market intelligence;
- periodic updates on developments in international markets;
- enhanced access to global buyers;
- trade servicing expertise from the Council’s staff;
- a seat at the table in global trade policy discussions;
- participation in formulation of Council strategy through Advisory Teams; and
- more U.S. grain exports! The efforts of the Council mean more business for U.S. producers and agribusinesses.
With these benefits in mind, there are several ways for you to reap even more rewards from the Council by being more involved. Examples include:
Serving on an Advisory Team (A-Team)
Grain producers and agribusiness representatives serve together on the Council’s seven A-Teams to identify opportunities, set priorities and chart the course for the Council every year.
Each team has a specific focus: Asia, Biotechnology, Ethanol, Middle East/Africa, Trade Policy, Value-Added Programs and Western Hemisphere. Each A-Team communicates its activities and recommendations directly to the Council’s Board of Directors.
A-Teams are critical for the Council’s success because they leverage the perspective, experience, insight and leadership provided by grassroots members.
Service on an A-Team is by appointment. Applications for A-Teams are reviewed annually each fall.
Attending a USGC Annual Meeting
The Council hosts two membership meetings each year, in February and July.
These meetings are opportunities for members to build their understandings of the global marketplace and learn more about the Council’s programs, priorities and strategy for the future. Many members consider these meetings can’t-miss opportunities.
Updates from USGC’s most recent meeting are available on USGC’s Facebook page and Twitter, and photos are available in a Flickr album.
Getting Involved with USGC on Social Media
The Council has a robust social media presence and encourages all its members to become involved and share information about the value of trade to U.S. agriculture. USGC has a presence on:
Encouraging Others to Join USGC
If your business is not already a USGC member or you know of others who may be interested, click here to learn more about our membership benefits and how to apply.