By: Erick Erickson, U.S. Grains Council Vice President

The U.S. Grains Council met with long-standing Japanese customers of U.S. commodity corn, non-genetically modified corn and sorghum this week in Washington, D.C. The groups, the Japanese Feed Manufacturer’s Association, Zen-Noh and the Japanese Corn Starch, all affirmed their appreciation for their long-standing trade relationship with the United States and the opportunity to meet regularly to discuss concerns and issues. They then presented their list of concerns.

JFMA, whose members purchase the bulk of U.S. corn shipped to Japan, indicated that the widespread 2012 U.S. drought that impacted much of the 2012/2013 U.S. corn crop forced them to diversify sourcing. The association found that corn sourced from other countries met their standards, and even at times exceeded it. In their opinion, corn sourced from the United States this year is lacking the same quality. This is a serious issue that the Council promised JFMA it will work to address.

Meanwhile, the other groups were looking towards the United States to source more grains. The Japanese Corn Starch was anxious to ensure the United States can be a long-term, reliable supplier of identity preserved corn, especially since companies in Japan have recently created a direct contracting program that sources non-GM corn from the United States. Zen-Noh likewise communicated a long-term interest in importing U.S. sorghum.

While the Council cannot resolve these issues immediately, the face-to-face dialog makes a difference. This is a prime example of how the Council acts as a bridge between its international customers and U.S. producers, bringing the message of international customers to USGC members.