Council delegation leads annual Grain Export Mission to Canada 

The U.S. Grains Council (USGC) staff led a delegation of U.S. producers to Canada to participate in the Council’s annual Grain Export Mission (GEM) and meet key end-users, Council partners and government representatives to learn about U.S. grain, ethanol and co-product exports to the market. 

Since 1994, GEMs have made a difference for the U.S. agricultural industry by providing a first-hand look at international markets. Initially known as the Pioneer International Agricultural Fellowship, the GEM program has educated more than 200 USGC delegates about new and growing markets around the world. 

The team was led by USGC Director of Industry Relations Ellen S. Zimmerman, USGC Director of Global Ethanol Export Development Alicia Koch and USGC Regional Ethanol Manager for the European Union, United Kingdom and Canada Stephanie Larson. Additional delegates included Council members Scott Miller of the Corn Marketing Program of Michigan; Isaac Murdock of the Indiana Corn Marketing Council; Duane Epland of the Minnesota Corn Research and Promotion Council; and Matt Sullivan of the Nebraska Corn Board. 

Through hosting the GEM, the Council brought members to represent U.S. grower interests abroad, serving as trade ambassadors. The GEM created connections to help shape future policies and provided the opportunity for participants to gain a better understanding of the importance of trade and how that comes into play with their individual farming operations. 

“Canada is a vital trading partner for U.S. agriculture, and ethanol exports in particular have been extremely impressive with more room still to grow,” Koch said. 

“By bringing Council members to this important market through the GEM, we are connecting the Council’s mission of developing markets, enabling trade and improving lives from the start of the value chain to the end.” 

The program began in Toronto with a visit to a major feed mill and the Ontario Agribusiness Association to discuss how end-users procure and receive raw materials from U.S. growers. 

After traveling to Ottawa, the delegation met with Canadian regulatory departments and policymakers, including Agriculture and Agrifood Canada, Natural Resources Canada and Environment and Climate Change Canada. 

Representatives from the USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service also met with the team at the U.S. embassy to cover recent market updates and future promotional plans for U.S. agricultural goods. 

“We’re fortunate to have international partners that are also dedicated to agricultural trade that works for all parties, meaning we can continue working to break down trade barriers and connect buyers and sellers to expand U.S. exports in Canada and around the world,” Zimmerman said. 

Educational opportunities like the GEM are just one way the Council lives its mission of developing markets, enabling trade and improving lives. Member involvement is critical to form relationships between the Council and customers around the world.