The future of trade and the U.S. Grains Council’s (USGC) strategy to capture overseas demand are top of the docket for next week’s Virtual 18th International Marketing Conference and 61st Annual Membership meeting – scheduled for Monday, Feb. 1 through Wednesday, Feb. 3.
“We have the opportunity to join together to discuss critical issues surrounding our work to build new demand for coarse grains and co-products,” said Jim Raben, USGC chairman and farmer from Illinois. “We are also excited to offer an excellent slate of speakers who will focus on the future of trade and the opportunities that exist for increased demand around the world.”
The Monday general session will feature Jack Bobo, CEO of Futurity, a food foresight company, who will speak about future trends for the global economy and what to expect as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic evolves. Founder and Chief Trade Strategist for TradeMoves Shawn Marie Jarosz will also share her thoughts on trade trends, export strategies and opportunities for U.S. grains. Wrapping up the session will be a panel of the Council’s international directors, who will speak to how they are continuing to reach customers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
During the three-day conference, the organization’s Advisory Teams (A-Teams) will review priorities in the Council’s Unified Export Strategy (UES) and help set direction for the year ahead. Sectors will meet to discuss issues of importance specifically for corn, barley and sorghum producers as well as agribusinesses and general farm organizations.
“Our members are the heart of the Council,” Raben said. “While in a different format this year, critical input through participation in this meeting and through our A-Teams continues to guide the work of our leadership and staff around the world.”
Email Rebecca Kane, USGC meeting manager, with meeting-related questions.
More about the meeting, including registration, is available here.
About The U.S. Grains Council
The U.S. Grains Council develops export markets for U.S. barley, corn, sorghum and related products including distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS) and ethanol. With full-time presence in 28 locations, the Council operates programs in more than 50 countries and the European Union. The Council believes exports are vital to global economic development and to U.S. agriculture’s profitability. Detailed information about the Council and its programs is online at www.grains.org.