It’s not too late to make a donation to the fundraising auction that will be held during the U.S. Grains Council’s 54th Annual Board of Delegates Meeting in Omaha, Nebraska, July 28-30, 2014. Proceeds from the 2014 auction will benefit The Grains Foundation.

Established in 1983, the Foundation works to advance the understanding of the value of international trade, build partnerships and nurture the next generation of leaders in the agricultural and agribusiness sectors. The Council sees the Foundation as a critical platform to fostering relationships between Council members and customers, as well as catalyzing the advancement and understanding of the value of international trade.

In recent years, the Foundation’s major activity has been the International Collegiate Leadership Program (I-CAL), a partnership with FFA which sponsors an annual international educational mission for student leaders. Recent I-CAL missions have included Latin America and Southeast Asia. This year’s team received an in-depth and up-close look at Japanese agriculture.

Last year, the Grains Foundation Auction in Ottawa raised more than $15,000, a record. To help make the 2014 auction a success, please give serious consideration to goods, services or products that you would be able to donate. Contact Valerie Smiley (vsmiley@grains.org; 202-326-0626) or Dick Kasting (dkasting@grains.org; 202-326-0621) with any questions or to make your donation.