The U.S. Grains Council’s (USGC’s) 65th Annual Board of Delegates Meeting continued today in Grand Rapids, MI, with commodity sector meetings and discussions on the strength of American agriculture and the latest trade policy developments in Mexico, India and Southeast Asia.
The day began with attendees splitting into sector meetings based on the industries they represent: agribusiness, barley, corn, sorghum and general farm organizations.
The morning wrapped up with a general session that included a presentation on the importance of American agriculture in a changing world from former U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow and a discussion on shipbuilding challenges by Jay O’Neil, proprietor of HJ O’Neil Commodity Consulting.
“U.S. trade is absolutely critical to the U.S. economy, especially with over 20 percent of U.S. agriculture commodities exported overseas,” Stabenow said. “Building additional markets amidst trade uncertainty is even more critical, and it is critical that we maintain strong bipartisan support of agriculture.”
The afternoon featured three breakout sessions on U.S. trade policy developments in Mexico, India and Southeast Asia led by AGON Partner Kenneth Smith Ramos; Senior Advisor of Trade Policy for the U.S.-India Strategic Partnership Forum Mark Linscott; and USGC Deputy Regional Director for Southeast Asia and Oceania Chris Markey.
The meeting concludes tomorrow with elections for USGC officers, sector leadership positions and Advisory Team (A-Team) leadership appointments.
More from the meeting is available on social media using the hashtag #Grains25, or through the website here.