The U.S. Grains Council (UGSC) submitted its 2016 operational plan, known as the Unified Export Strategy (UES), to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (UDSA’s) Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) on June 5, requesting matching funds to facilitate USGC programs globally next year.

This 417-page document represents USGC’s version of the integrated planning system that U.S. agricultural trade groups use to apply for FAS market development and export promotion programs, including the Market Access Program (MAP) and the Foreign Market Development (FMD) program.

The UES also serves as the Council’s operational blueprint and ensures that the Council has a long-term strategy. The 2016 UES built off of the strong U.S. coarse grain exports that occurred in 2014 as the United States returned to its dominant export position. Activities proposed for 2016 will have Council offices continuing to focus on global marketplace opportunities and addressing the evolving concerns and complexities that could inhibit trade of U.S. grain.

The UES is completed with direction from USGC Advisory Team (A-Team) members, board of directors and effort from the Council’s staff. This type of team work and collaboration helps shape the direction of the Council for the coming years.