The U.S. Grains Council and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA’s) Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) have opened registration for free workshops in Chicago and Houston on how to use GSM-102 to facilitate the export of U.S. ethanol.

The programs were set up to assist the industry following the addition of U.S. ethanol to the list of commodities that can utilize the export credit guarantee program.

GSM-102 guarantees credit extended by the private financial sector in the United States to approved foreign financial institutions using dollar-denominated, irrevocable letters of credit for purchases of U.S. food and agricultural products by foreign importers. By reducing the financial risk to lenders, the program encourages imports in countries that are developing financially.

The USGC/USDA workshops will cover key features of the program, program eligibility, the advantages of using GSM-102, logistics and previous success stories.

The first event will be held in Chicago on April 12 from 1 – 3 p.m. The second is scheduled for Houston on June 17, from 1- 3 p.m. There is no registration charge for either event.

Additional details and registration information are available from Rebecca Kane, USGC meeting planner, at (202) 789-0789 or rkane@grains.org.

Click here for more information on the GSM-102 program.