2012 was a year of elections. In the United States, 2012 was a presidential election year, with both the White House and control of Congress at stake. But the United States was far from alone, as political contests – not all of them peaceful or democratic — swept the world.

With nine international offices and programs in more than 50 countries, the U.S. Grains Council was at ground zero for many of these events. At the Council’s recent marketing and membership meeting in Charleston, S.C., four of the Council’s country and regional directors stepped onstage to discuss major political changes in their regions and the implications for U.S. feed exports.

In both Japan and Mexico, the Trans Pacific Partnership and global trade issues resonated with voters. USGC Directors Tommy Hamamoto (Japan) and Julio Hernandez (Mexico) reviewed the changing political dynamics, with protectionist and anti-biotechnology sentiment contending with pro-trade, pro-growth constituencies in both countries.

In China, the situation remains unclear, as veiled politics conducted in closed party congress circles makes change unpredictable. A new leadership team is taking shape and seems committed to increasing domestic consumption as an engine of growth. Food security, however, remains a contentious issue, and China is likely to move cautiously in this area.

Rounding out the picture was USGC Director in Tunisia Cary Sifferath. He was at the epicenter of the Arab Spring, with revolts toppling long-entrenched regimes across North Africa and the Middle East. Sifferath was among the U.S. nationals evacuated following the attack on the U.S. Embassy in Tunisia, but he is now back in-country and is working with importers and feeders across the region trying to keep local economies functioning in the midst of political and economic chaos.

The Council’s International Marketing Conference is a unique, once a year opportunity to meet with all of the Council’s international directors to review unfolding events in their countries and regions. In a rapidly changing world, there is no substitute for “boots on the ground.” The Council’s not-so-secret “weapon” is a dedicated and experienced international staff, and we can all be grateful for their tireless efforts on behalf of U.S. exports in often challenging circumstances.