Beyond seeing the transformation of the Panama Canal or hearing the latest developments in key export markets, the U.S. Grains Council’s February meeting offers attendees an exceptional opportunity to put their mark on Council programs.

This meeting will reflect the unique conjunction between external changes like the Canal expansion and internal changes like the Council’s new strategic plan.

“We’ve long been building demand, but we are realizing that the pipeline of grain trade is constricted by government policies all over the world,” commented Ron Gray, USGC treasurer and an Illinois corn grower who worked on the strategic plan.

“We want to develop an approach to removing those barriers, not only on a regional level but also country by country,” he said. “That means gaining a deeper understanding of current trade restrictions and identifying, pursuing and maximizing opportunities to open these markets.”

Much of this development will take place in the Advisory Team (A-Team) meetings where Council members work directly with the Council’s professional staff to consider alternatives and tactics – an effort that ultimately drives the Council’s Unified Export Strategy (UES).

“A-Team meetings are critical,” said Tom Sleight, USGC vice president of operations and membership. “This year, as we look at adapting the UES not just to new market challenges but to an updated Council strategic approach, the stakes are higher than usual. This really is about taking command of our export future.”

He urged as many members as possible to participate: “This is no time to sit on the sidelines. If you have ideas about how our exports should develop, you need to share them in Panama.”

In fact, meeting materials will be available soon so members can review information that will highlight this meeting’s focus and direction. For more information about this meeting, go to www.grains.org.    

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