The U.S. Grains Council has a long history of working in challenging environments, but site visits in an armored embassy van is not usually part of the program.

The timing was pure coincidence. A U.S. Grains Council team, in-country to explore opportunities to renew ties and reengage with loyal partners in the feed, livestock, poultry, and dairy sectors, was on the ground when longtime Venezuelan strongman Hugo Chavez succumbed to cancer. There were safer places to be during the first week in March, but the timing provided a unique opportunity to assess the future of the Council’s engagement in Venezuela at a critical turning point in the country’s history.

Security was a concern even before President Chavez’ death. From the moment they stepped off the plane, Latin America Regional Director Kurt Shultz and Alvaro Cordero, manager of global trade, were cautioned not to wear or show items such as watches, to avoid taxis and public transport, and to use only prearranged transportation from reliable firms. The homicide rate is among the world’s highest, and kidnappings are commonplace; at one meeting, a sixty-seven year old businessman described a 25-day ordeal before he succeeded in ransoming his son.

Nor is security the only concern: one meeting, at a modern business office, was interrupted six times by power outages. Unpredictable spot shortages of basic consumer goods are frequent. Import licenses for grain can take four to six months. Government controls business access to capital, while a 400 percent spread between the official and the black market exchange rates makes every transaction a currency play. In short, Venezuela is a challenging place to do business.

Shultz and Cordero were at dinner when President Chavez’ death was announced. Almost immediately, international telephone service was interrupted. Across the country, all news outlets turned to official broadcasts as Venezuelans flocked to Twitter and cellphones for the latest rumors. Restaurants and shops closed, and after the initial crush, the streets emptied. Foreign nationals went on high alert — Americans especially, since Venezuela just hours earlier had expelled a U.S. Embassy official on charges of plotting the destabilization of the country.

Despite these difficulties, however, Venezuela remains a strong U.S. corn export market, the second largest in Latin America with imports of over one million metric tons annually. With its oil riches and other natural resources, a talented people, and strategic location, the country’s potential is enormous — provided it can overcome its long legacy of social unrest and political instability. The passing of President Chavez represents the end of an era. Venezuela has important choices ahead, and the Council will continue to work with our loyal customers in an embattled country to develop markets, enable trade, and improve lives.