On Monday, Nov. 24, the U.S. Grains Council (USGC) will open online registration for its 12th International Marketing Conference and 55th Annual Membership Meeting scheduled to take place in Heredia, Costa Rica, from Feb. 9-11, 2015.
A small but strategically located market, Costa Rica takes about 47 percent of its total imports from the United States, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce.
“While Costa Rica may represent only a small portion of the total U.S. agricultural exports, it is a valuable contributor to our new record high exports of $152.5 billion,” said USGC Chairman Ron Gray.
This year’s conference will feature dynamic discussions about new developments and challenges in markets throughout the world as well as current developments in trade negotiations and trade barriers. Attendees will also be able to participate in educational site visits to learn more about the local agricultural systems.
“These tours will provide a perfect opportunity to see local agriculture and to embrace this year’s theme, Global Awareness, Global Connection,” Gray said. “Ultimately if we achieve this goal we will provide for more transparent markets around the world, allowing both producers and end-users to maximize market opportunities.”
USGC Advisory Teams (A-Teams) and commodity-specific stakeholders will meet during the February sessions to review global strategies and compare notes about the global grain trade. This is the time for attendees to provide input into the Council’s planning process as well as enhance its strategic cohesiveness.
As a member-led organization, the Council depends on its delegates’ commitment and participation
“This is your meeting,” Gray said, “and I hope you take the opportunity to help the Council chart its course for another successful year of exporting U.S. coarse grains and co-products around the world.”
To attend this meeting you must have an up-to-date passport. Start the process of renewing your documents now if your current passport expires before August 2015. Please visit the State Department website, http://www.state.gov for information on obtaining or renewing a passport.
Also, if you plan to bring a minor child or grandchild, go to the State Department website for information on the documentation needed.
Check out the Council’s website for more details about this upcoming meeting.