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Turkey Officially Lifts Ban on Biotech Imports. Turkey’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs released a directive Wednesday, Dec. 16, repealing the Oct. 26, 2009, regulation that restricted market access of products with biotechnology derived content. The directive instructs Turkish ports to resume pre-Oct. 26 procedures. “This is great news for U.S. farmers and exporters of U.S. value-added products like DDGS (distiller’s dried grains with solubles) and corn gluten. The lift on the ban brings the assumption that everything will go back to the way it was before. However, the situation is very fluid and we are receiving new information constantly,” said Joe O’Brien, U.S. Grains Council regional director in the Middle East and Subcontinent. “The Council will continue to follow the situation as developments unfold.” In addition, Turkey’s Prime Minister has referred a draft biosafety law to Parliament for discussion. USGC Director of Biotechnology Programs Rebecca Fecitt said, “Although we don’t know the exact terms and details of the new, latest version of the biosafety law, it is possible that if this law passed, it may provide the legal basis for the Oct. 26 regulation to resume. Some reports show it is unlikely the draft law will be discussed in Parliament until early next year. The Council will continue to working with local industry on this important issue.”

Chinese Swine Industry Boom Benefits U.S. Farmers. Over the last ten years, the Chinese swine industry has been rapidly expanding, with the support of local and international investors who have recognized the profit potential. The U.S. Grains Council has been working closely with local producers through the industry expansion, aiding in not only feed ration advising, but also in helping produce a model for modern facilities and management. USGC Consultant Dr. Steve Pohl and Jason Yan, USGC technical program director in China, met with representatives of Besun Group, a Chinese swine producer, two years ago as they were in search of guidance in building a 20,000-sow operation. With Dr. Pohl and the Council’s expertise, the Besun Group was able to follow an outline for an efficient facility. The Council has continued its support of the operation, offering guidance with further details in managing the facility and employees. “Besun Group is now finishing four of its seven planned 3,000-sow farms in the Shaanxi Province. The building style and pig flow model has become a model for other companies planning expansion in China,” said USGC Senior Director in China Cary Sifferath, noting more than 20 large swine operations have visited Besun Group for firsthand looks at their facilities. With the expansion of the industry comes a need for an increased amount of feed ingredients. This week, Council Consultant Dr. Ken Stalder traveled to China to meet with swine producers, offering his expertise in swine management and nutrition. Dr. Stalder focused on genetic improvement, selection methods and the economic benefits to such techniques. Distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS) was the focus of the nutrition element of the presentations. The co-product of ethanol production was discussed a great length, both for its nutritive values and cost effectiveness. “Using DDGS in the ration was well-received, as can be observed by the recent increase in imports. Chinese producers are using this new feedstuff, keeping their diets for pigs very competitive from a cost standpoint,” said Dr. Stalder. The participants in the seminars were attentive to the methodologies being presented, engaging in the question and answer periods to understand how the information presented could be applied to their own operations. “It is clear we are in a time that may never be seen in the Chinese pork industry, where expansion and technology application is happening at such a tremendous pace. It is truly an exciting time in the Chinese pork industry,” said Dr. Stalder.

Truth Behind the EU’s Taboo on Biotechnology 
By Mr. Won Myoung NOH
Maeil Business Daily Newspaper
(Mr. Myoung was a participant of the U.S. Grains Council Korea Biotech Media Team that traveled throughout the United States last month to learn how U.S. farmers utilize agricultural biotechnology in their farming practices. With very little previous knowledge and a country full of consumers with a negative perception of biotechnology, this team received firsthand information on the facts behind biotechnology. Inviting a team of news reporters was part of a larger effort by the Council to reach out to the general consumer. Below is Mr. Myoung’s story, published Dec. 10, 2009, in the Maeil Business Daily Newspaper. It was translated by Monsanto Korea and USGC staff.)
In order to report on biotechnology derived products, I traveled to the United States where the top three global biotech corporations are headquartered. Monsanto, Syngenta and Pioneer had high interests in the Korean government’s biotech policy. KFDA (Korea Food & Drug Administration) is currently working to make the biotech labeling regulations stricter, mirroring those of the European Union (EU). Those who have concerns about the growing anti-biotech sentiments outside of the EU seem to think of Korea as a stepping stone for the future of biotechnology. In a meeting with Andy Benson, vice president of IFIC (International Food Information Council) in Washington, D.C., he argued the debate over biotech is, in fact, not about safety but about trade. According him, the EU is the most biotech-averse region in the world. Europeans reject biotech for the reason that they are ‘unnatural’ or their safety has not yet been proven sufficiently. However, the complex causes that underlie the reason for their aversion are industrial interests of protecting the EU farmers, he analyzed. His argument is right, in some ways. European countries have built agricultural capacity on a large scale but that is not enough to compete with the United States’ huge corporate farming. Moreover, the EU, which meets the food demands on its own, does not have desperate needs for biotech-based production increase. In addition, it seems reluctant to participate in biotechnology development that is already led by the U.S. corporations. Korea, however, has a different situation from the EU. Korea’s self-sufficiency rate is just around 25 percent. Last year, it spent about 8 trillion Korean wons ($6.9 billion) on grain imports. The choice to import only non-biotech grains will require additional 2 or 3 trillion Korean wons ($1.7-2.6 billion), which would be alternatively used to feed poor children in Korea or help North Koreans suffering from starvation. Of course, economic value and utility is not everything. It is especially true in terms of human health and safety. But critics of biotech have not presented any substantial evidence to demonstrate that the safety of biotech is doubtful. If the opposition is based on just an emotional reason, the price might be too high to pay.

Sorghum Road Show Exhibits Value of U.S. Sorghum to Moroccan End-users. A 25,000 metric ton (984,000 bushels) shipment of U.S. sorghum arrived in Morocco this week, coinciding with the U.S. Grains Council Sorghum Road Show being held in the region. USGC Consultants Dr. Michael Brouk and Dr. Scott Beyer were brought in to work with local ruminant and poultry nutritionists to ensure sorghum was assigned proper nutritive values in ration formulation calculations while offering insight on the milling characteristics of U.S. sorghum. “Everyone we met with was encouraged by the quality of U.S. grain sorghum, as it reduces feed costs while improving feed quality and bird health,” said Dr. Beyer, who specializes in poultry nutrition. Sorghum is currently duty-free in Morocco, allowing it to be a price-competitive feed ingredient. The Council works with end-users in the region, offering one-on-one consultations and other educational opportunities to increase awareness of U.S. sorghum and its value as a feed ingredient. “With the import duty for sorghum currently at zero percent, the U.S. product has an opportunity to penetrate the Moroccan marketplace,” said Kurt Shultz, USGC director in the Mediterranean and Africa. The Council worked with the buyer of the most recent shipment of U.S. sorghum and its customers to host the seminars this week. The seminars offer a venue for end-users to build relationships with U.S. industry experts to continue the importation of U.S. sorghum. The consultants also met with representatives from large feedmillers and COPAG, the local dairy cooperative, to work on maximizing the utilization of U.S. sorghum. Dairy producers in the region are continuously watching milk production and the effects of feed ingredients on the production levels. “Utilizing data from several beef and dairy feeding trials, I was able to help several producers understand the effects of sorghum on milk production and animal growth performance,” said Dr. Brouk. Shultz said, “The Council recognizes the potential for U.S. sorghum in the market and is working to create momentum for imports on a more regular basis.” This was made possible by Council member United Sorghum Checkoff Program and sorghum checkoff members’ investments in the Council.

USDA’s Weekly Export Sales Highlights for Dec. 4-10, 2009
Corn: Net sales of 1,227,100 metric tons (48.3 million bushels), a marketing-year high, were up 45 percent from the previous week and 59 percent from the prior four-week average. Increases were reported for Mexico (291,800 tons or 11.5 million bushels); Japan (278,000 tons or 10.9 million bushels, including 30,200 tons or 1.2 million bushels switched from unknown destinations); Egypt (180,000 tons or 7.1 million bushels); South Korea (152,000 tons or 6 million bushels, including 54,000 tons or 2.1 million bushels switched from unknown destinations); Costa Rica (97,500 tons or 3.8 million bushels, including 23,200 tons or 913,000 bushels switched from unknown destinations); unknown destinations (92,800 tons or 3.7 million bushels); and Taiwan (51,300 tons or 2 million bushels, including 12,000 tons or 472,000 bushels switched from unknown destinations). Decreases were reported for Canada (17,100 tons or 673,000 bushels) and Panama (10,200 tons or 402,000 bushels). Exports of 776,500 tons (30.6 million bushels) were up 10 percent from the previous week and 7 percent from the prior four-week average. The primary destinations were Japan (303,300 tons or 11.9 million bushels); Mexico (107,700 tons or 4.2 million bushels); Ecuador (63,400 tons or 2.5 million bushels); South Korea (54,300 tons or 2.1 million bushels); Guatemala (42,700 tons or 1.7 million bushels); Panama (31,200 tons or 1.2 million bushels); and Cuba (27,500 tons or 1.1 million bushels).

Barley: There were no sales or exports reported during the week.

Sorghum: Net sales of 109,700 tons (4.3 million bushels) were for Mexico (106,900 tons or 4.2 million bushels) and Japan (10,200 tons or 402,000 bushels, including 7,500 tons or 295,000 bushels switched from unknown destinations). Decreases were reported for unknown destinations (7,400 tons or 291,000 bushels). Exports of 24,100 tons (949,000 bushels were mainly to Japan (19,700 tons or 776,000 bushels) and Mexico (4,200 tons or 165,000 bushels).

COUNCIL NEWS

Nienhiser Selected as 2009 USGC Harvest Photo Drawing Winner. The Council is proud to announce David Nienhiser of Carrollton, Texas, as the winner of the USGC 2009 Harvest Photo Drawing! David submitted photos of the corn harvest at his family’s farm near Chapin, Ill. David won a free registration to the Council’s 7th International Marketing Meeting and 50th Annual Membership Meeting in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, Feb. 13-17, 2010. Check the Council’s Web site, www.grains.org, frequently for more information to register to attend. The Council certainly appreciates everyone’s efforts in sending in photos and welcomes you to continue to submit pictures of your hard work throughout the year. Click here to access the Council’s Flickr site and view submissions.

USGC Staff Travels to USCP Board Meeting in Colorado. USGC staff Thomas C. Dorr, president and CEO; Chris Corry, senior director of international operations for Rest of the World; and Alvaro Cordero, manager of international operations for marketing, attended the United Sorghum Checkoff Board meeting this week in Denver, Colo. The Board discussed research accomplishments and results from market development efforts including those carried out by the Council. The Board toured the U.S. Department of Energy National Renewable Energy Laboratory to meet with scientists leading the way for the deployment of renewable energy and energy efficient technologies, utilizing U.S. sorghum in their biomass research. For more information about the United Sorghum Checkoff Program, please visit www.sorghumcheckoff.com.

New Members. Please join the Council in welcoming three new members to the Council, pending Board approval.
Patriot Renewable Fuels: Patriot Renewable Fuels, LLC’s mission is to produce high quality, environmentally conscious renewable fuels that will promote energy independence for our community and the nation. The company operates a 100-million gallon per year ethanol producing facility in Annawan, Ill. Patriot Renewable also produces 320,000 tons of distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS) per year. It sent its first international shipment of DDGS in April 2009. Patriot Renewable has not yet named a delegate to represent it in the Council.
Kellogg Company: Consumers around the world enjoy Kellogg Company products. The company employs nearly 32,000 people; manufactures in 19 countries; and sells products in more than 180 countries. Kellogg has historically been a leader in industry innovation and marketing. With 2008 sales of nearly $13 billion, Kellogg Company is the world’s leading producer of cereal and a leading producer of convenience foods, including cookies, crackers, toaster pastries, cereal bars, frozen waffles and meat alternatives. Kellogg will be represented on the Council by Robert Stackow, lead product development scientist, and can be reached via telephone at 269-660-7161 or via e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation: The Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation is the voice of farmers in the state of Arkansas. The group works through its county members to monitor government activity, promote new laws and regulations; initiate and support community activities; provide economic services; and encourage fellowship within communities. The Arkansas Farm Bureau will be represented by Joe Christian, who can be reached at 870-972-8154 or via e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Four USGC Staff Awarded Employees of the Quarter, Year. Please join the Council in congratulating USGC staff Hillary Bennett, Joey Tatlonghari, Michiyo Hoshizawa and Jane Yuan in their recent recognization of their extraordinary performance with awards of Employees of the Quarter and Employees of the Year.
Employees of the Fourth Quarter were Joey Tatlonghari, manager of domestic accounting in USGC/Washington, D.C., and Michiyo Hoshizawa, administrative assistant in USGC/Japan. Joey took over added responsibility of accounting for two special USDA Foreign Agricultural Service grants and related programs upon the departure of another employee successfully. Michiyo took over the accounting responibilities as one Japan office employee took a one-year leave of absenceo without hesitation. She did the accounting work timely and accurately.
2009 Employees of the Year were awarded to Hillary Bennett, executive assistant in USGC/Washington, D.C., and Jane Yuan, accounting and administration manager in USGC/China. Hillary shows an incredible spirit of volunteering and helping other departments. Jane performed extraordinary service in the daunting task of moving the Beijing office from one location to another. To accomplish the move, Jane spent many long hours way beyond her regular hours and most of the weekend of the move.

Ag Ambassador Application Deadline Tomorrow. The Council is looking for leaders to be the voice of the agricultural industry. As a USGC Ag Ambassador, you will promote the importance of U.S. grain exports and help people understand why exports are vital to global economic development. You will represent the Council and the U.S. grains industry in front of key decision makers, media and other producers around the world. The Council will select up to 15 participants for the inaugural Ag Ambassador class. Training will take place Feb. 14-15, 2010, during the USGC 7th International Marketing Conference and 50th Annual Membership Meeting. Participants will be responsible for their own travel and lodging. Applications and additional information can be found on the Council’s Web site, www.grains.org, under “About the Council,” followed by “Leadership.” Applications are due by Friday, Dec. 18, and can be submitted via e-mail to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

USGC Headquarters Closed. The USGC headquarters office in Washington, D.C., will be closed Dec. 24-25 and Dec. 31-Jan. 1. There will be no Global Update distribution during those weeks. The next Global Update will be published Jan. 7, 2010. The Council wishes you all a safe and happy holiday season. 

NEW ON THE WEB

New Blogs Posted Frequently. Check out the latest entries on the Council’s blog, “The Grain Board.” The most recent post includes, “Ohio Corn Keeps Ag Informed on Climate Conference,” by Mike Deering, director of communications. Visit “The Grain Board” at www.thegrainboard.com. For more information, contact the bloggers at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Joint NCGA-USGC Collaboration Committee December Minutes Posted. The minutes from the December Joint NCGA-USGC Collaboration Committee are now posted in The GRAIN Center, the members-only section of the Council’s Web site, www.grains.org. To access, click on “Leader Resources,” followed by “Joint NCGA-USGC Collaboration Committee.” You can also find a quick link in the “What’s New” sidebar. For more information, contact Andrew Pepito, USGC vice president of operations, at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . If you have trouble accessing The GRAIN Center, contact Melisa Augusto, USGC membership and communications coordinator, at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . 

Monthly Management Reports (MMRs) Posted in The GRAIN Center. The November Monthly Management Reports from the Council’s Rest of the World (ROW) and Asia offices are now available in The GRAIN Center, the members-only section of the Council’s Web site, www.grains.org. Prepared by the Council’s international offices, these reports include information on market developments as well as Council programs and activities. For more information on ROW MMRs, contact Karen Sonnet, USGC international operations coordinator for ROW, at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . For more information about Asia MMRs, contact Kyle Cromer, USGC international operations coordinator for Asia, at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .   

Need Audio? Check out the USGC “Council Cast,” Updated Often. Stay up-to-date with Council news and happenings around the world by subscribing to the “Council Cast,” the Council’s podcast. The “Council Cast” is located on the USGC Web site, www.grains.org, in the Media Center, where you can subscribe to the RSS feed and iTunes. The most recent post includes, “Producer Thoughts on Morocco,” where Chuck Zimmerman, of ZimmComm New Media LLC, interviewed USGC participant Joseph “Joe” Zenz of the Wisconsin Corn Promotion Board, about the potential he saw in Morocco during the USGC 2009 Corn Mission. For more information about the “Council Cast,” contact Melisa Augusto, USGC membership and communications coordinator, at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  

COUNCIL ACTIVITY CALENDAR

January 4-7: USGC Consultants Jay O’Neil and Tom Bright will travel to Jordan to conduct a Regional Buyers Workshop for importers from Jordan, Syria, Saudi Arabia and Iraq. The event will afford participants the opportunity to become more familiar with U.S. feed ingredients and build relationships for future purchases. The consultants will answer questions regarding the price and availability of U.S. grains. For more information, contact Gina Tumbarello, USGC manager of international operations for Rest of the World, at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

January 5-6: USGC President and CEO Thomas C. Dorr; Chairman Rick Fruth; and Director of Membership Shannon Schaffer will travel to Iowa to meet with Council member Iowa Corn Promotion Board. Council representatives will update the Board on the Council’s current programs, projects and future outlook. For more information, contact Schaffer, USGC director of membership, at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

January 7: Shannon Schaffer, USGC director of membership, will meet with the Maryland Grain Producers Utilization Board to discuss the work the Council is doing around the world to promote U.S. corn, barley, sorghum and their co-products. Schaffer will update the group on current Council programs and opportunities for the future. Contact Schaffer for more information at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

The U.S. Grains Council does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation or marital/family status. Persons with disabilities, who require alternative means for communication of program information should contact the U.S. Grains Council.