Leaders from the U.S. Grains Council (USGC) traveled to Tanzania and South Africa earlier this month to assess the supply and demand situation for food and agricultural products in the Sub-Saharan Africa region and look for long-term opportunities for the Council to engage there.

“It was an amazing trip and one that speaks to the true heart of the Council, which is to develop markets, enable trade and improve lives,” said USGC Vice Chairman Chip Councell, a farmer from Maryland who took part in this mission.

“A prime example of this was the poultry show put on by the Tanzania Poultry Association. It’s a classic instance where the Council stays in the background but helps them to organize and function as we’ve done many places around the world.”

The poultry show was very successful with a very large, unexpected attendance.

“The show was set up for 70 attendees and, on the first day, there were 700 and on the second day, 650,” Councell said.

This mission also traveled to South Africa, where they found a potential near-term opportunity for exports of yellow and white corn and corn co-products, such as distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS).

“The Council needs to keep an eye on this region of the world,” Councell said. “In this area, we are doing what we do best – as we are looking at opportunities for the future, we are also laying the groundwork for tomorrow.”

Click here to view more photos from this mission.