The U.S. Grains Council has always recognized that relationship building was key to increasing exports with current and prospective international customers. In 2012, these relationships helped the Council serve as a critical resource when foreign buyers, in response to the drought, had questions about U.S. crop conditions. The Council’s trade servicing initiatives have reassured buyers that the United States would remain open for business despite the drought.

One especially noteworthy milestone was celebrated in Bogota, Colombia, in May 2012, when the free trade agreement between Colombia and the United States came into force. The Council partnered to host more than 100 Colombian importers, end-users, feed manufacturers and policy decision makers at a networking event celebrating the achievement.

The Council recognized building relationships would help grow opportunities in the economically advancing country. A farmer-member summed it up perfectly when he told the Colombians, “We want to be not only your regular supplier of feed grains, but we want to be partners in trade with you. We want to be partners in proving food security to Colombia and partners in your economic growth and success.”