Navigating The Seas Of International Trade: USGC Recognizes Matt Boucree For Five Years Of Service

Matt Boucree, president of Blue Water Shipping Company, knows the importance to shipping agencies of developing and strengthening relationships with international grain buyers and producers – and that the U.S. Grains Council (USGC) is the opportune organization to cultivate the growth of these partnerships, specifically through trade missions.

The staff of Blue Water Shipping hosts tours of their facilities each year for around 300 international customers, with USGC delegations making up a substantial percentage of those visits. Boucree explained these interactions not only strengthen business relationships, but also build confidence in the United States as a reliable supplier of high-quality grain through all levels of the export chain.

“Our grain cargo transportation system is second to none in the world,” Boucree said. “A lot of our customers can buy anywhere from North America or South America, and hosting USGC delegations gives us the perfect opportunity to show all the benefits of choosing our facilities in North America.”

Boucree has worked in the shipping and grain industry for more than 35 years; the Council recognized him for five years of service to the organization during its 58th Annual Membership Meeting in Denver, Colorado.

He explained he has seen the highs and lows of international trade during that tenure, further emphasizing why agribusinesses need to be involved with the Council.

“Whenever concerns arise, from tariffs to biotechnology, the Council is always there to jump in quickly and effectively to speak on our behalf,” Boucree said. “It is comforting to have their support and know they are looking out for the welfare of every stakeholder at all levels of U.S. grain production.”

As world populations continue to grow, all steps of the export chain must work collaboratively together – through organizations like the Council – to improve efficiency and maintain and expand markets.

“Blue Water has certainly benefited from the connections and expertise the Council provides regarding export market development. As our global population continues to grow exponentially and more countries rely on our grain products, we must continue to improve as the world’s leading supplier of grain and oilseeds,” Boucree said. “Our partnership with the Council is an intricate component of that process, there is no question about it.”