The utilization of distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS)—a co-product of U.S. ethanol production used as a feed ingredient for livestock—is gaining popularity in markets around the world. Market Access Program (MAP) and Foreign Market Development (FMD) funds support U.S. producers’ and agribusiness efforts in the development, maintenance and expansion of U.S. corn, barley, sorghum and related co-product exports through the U.S. Grains Council.
In the 2010 marketing year, many notable markets drastically increased their imports of U.S. DDGS. These markets include Chile, Morocco, Egypt, China, Japan and Thailand.
The Council conducts educational seminars and feeding trials around the world to increase familiarity and usage of the U.S. feed ingredient.
MAP and FMD funds have allowed the Council to actively promote DDGS around the world, increasing demand for the product and thus increasing exports to reach 7.2 million metric tons in 2010 for a total of $1.4 billion dollars in sales.
So far in 2011 through May, exports of DDGS total 3.2 million tons, valued at $733,000. This is a 24 percent increase from the same time period of the previous year.
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.