The U.S. Grains Council (UGSC) submitted its 2017 operational plan, known as the Unified Export Strategy (UES), to the USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) this week, requesting matching funds to facilitate USGC global programs next year.

The organization submitted an aggressive plan for 2017 demonstrating the need to address a strong ethanol agenda as well as maintain robust feed, livestock, food and industrial use programs around the world.

This 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 organization has a long-term strategy.

“The Council tailors its efforts to each region, nation and situation to help develop export markets for U.S. coarse grains and related co-products,� said USGC Senior Director of Global Strategies Kurt Shultz. “The UES is where we articulate our strategy to do this through future programs and projects that will build demand around the world for U.S. coarse grains, ethanol and co-products.�

The 2017 UES is built off the grain industry’s need for new pockets of demand as the strong U.S. dollar and larger-than-expected global grain supplies have impacted U.S. ag exports. Activities proposed for 2017 will have USGC offices continuing to focus on global marketplace opportunities and addressing the evolving concerns and complexities that could inhibit trade of U.S. grain and related products like ethanol.

The UES is completed with direction from USGC Advisory Team (A-Team) members, the USGC Board of Directors and the Council’s global staff.