The U.S. Grains Council appointed Sigfrido Romeo as the new technical consultant focused on European Union policy issues. Romeo will represent the concerns and priorities of the Council with various EU policymakers and regulatory authorities on biotechnology, trade and issues relevant to the ongoing dialogue on sustainability of the U.S. food production system. A native of Italy, Romeo is based in Geneva, Switzerland, and will be attending various EU-based conferences in Brussels to maintain contact with World Trade Organization (WTO) officials and consult with Council staff on WTO and Doha related matters.

Romeo is a senior agronomist with 10 years of international experience in market development, integrated rural development, natural resource management and effective communication in biotechnology. He has more than 10 years of experience in North and Sub Saharan Africa, Central Asia and Europe, having served in Italy’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and with various international private volunteer organizations. Previous project experience includes encouraging farmers to practice crop diversification for improved land management, facilitating access to markets and reinvesting agricultural profits into household and community development efforts in Africa.

“Sigfrido’s substantial global experience in regulatory issues in challenging emerging markets coupled with a strong background in agronomy will significantly enhance the Council’s ability to stay involved and current in some of the most complex EU-based policy dialogues to date. He will be a critical new resource for the Council and the entire membership,” noted Wendell Shauman, USGC Chairman. Romeo will report to the Council’s Mediterranean office in Tunisia.