The U.S. Grains Council (USGC) works around the clock and globe to find and exploit new pockets of demand for U.S. coarse grains and co-products including ethanol and distiller’s dried grains with solubles. This week, USGC President and CEO Tom Sleight sat down with the National Association of Farm Broadcasting to discuss those areas of potential demand, starting with ethanol exports.

“We are looking at the possibilities and benefits of utilizing ethanol as part of the global energy pollution solution,� Sleight said. “We have targeted programs going on in several places around the world where we see the best opportunities for growth. We are excited about these programs and feel that they are starting to gain momentum.�

In addition to building markets for ethanol, the Council is looking at markets like Colombia and Peru for more traditional coarse grain demand.

“We are really excited with what is going on in Colombia and Peru,â€� Sleight said. “Colombia has rocketed up to be the third largest importer of U.S. corn due in part to Colombian buyers’ and end-users’ engagement and the advantages they experience under the U.S.-Colombia free trade agreement.â€�

The Council also has initiatives in traditional markets like Mexico, Japan, Korea and Taiwan.

“The Council is helping make a difference right now by engaging around the world with new and different strategies,� Sleight said.

Click here to learn about the current top U.S. export partners.