“You can’t argue with the numbers,” said U.S. Grains Council Chairman Julius Schaaf. “Our next-door and nearby neighbors are among our best partners, and we are excited by new opportunities in both Colombia and Mexico.”

Schaaf and the other Council officers are traveling to Latin America with the 2014 USGC-National Corn Growers Association Officers Mission. The officers will be meeting with leaders in the feed and livestock industries, U.S. embassy officials and other stakeholders in both Colombia and Mexico.

“Colombia is an important and changing market,” noted Alan Tiemann, USGC secretary/treasurer. “Ratification of the U.S.-Columbia Free Trade Agreement is helping U.S. market share rebound. At the same time, the Colombian government is considering new, trade enabling policies on biotechnology. This is a solid partnership, and one that we want to make even stronger.”

As for Mexico, since the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) came into effect 20 years ago, U.S. trade with Mexico has changed significantly.

“Mexico is part of the integrated North American market in NAFTA and is already a top importer of U.S. corn, sorghum, barley, and DDGS (distiller’s dried grains with solubles),” said USGC Vice Chairman Ron Gray, “But even in Mexico there are untapped opportunities, especially in Southern Mexico for DDGS.”

The Council has a vital interest in the Latin America region where U.S. coarse grains and co-products have natural market advantages including logistics, reliable sourcing and quality. Council programs since the early 1980s have helped accelerate the growth of meat, milk and egg production to increase grain demand, as well as build long-lasting partnerships.

“For this mission, I wish there were more hours in the day,” said Kurt Shultz, USGC regional director of the Americas. “Colombia and Mexico are close neighbors and good customers, and their industry leaders are delighted to host the NCGA and USGC leadership. It is going to be a productive mission.”

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