“All of us understand that 95 percent of the world’s people live outside the United States and that many are making great strides economically. Our world is getting smaller and our markets are getting bigger,� said Don Fast, chairman of the U.S. Grains Council, at the 52nd Annual Board of Delegates Meeting in Vancouver, Wash.

“That’s the reality we face, and that’s why we’ve chosen ‘Smaller World, Bigger Markets,’ as the theme for the coming year,� said Fast, a farmer from Montana.

While the coming year will be challenging, as hopes of record U.S. crops have been dashed by the weather, the strategic mission of the Council has not changed.

“We will continue to serve our customers, grow our markets and seek new opportunities,� Fast said, “and work to ensure the United States remains the world’s most reliable, transparent and trusted partner in achieving food security through trade,� Fast said.