Export Exchange 2024 began today, drawing nearly 500 international buyers and U.S. agribusiness stakeholders to the highly anticipated event. Co-hosted by the U.S. Grains Council (USGC), Growth Energy, and the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA), the conference aims to foster trade relationships and showcase the strengths of U.S. agriculture.
The event, featuring 28 industry exhibitors, offers a unique platform for real-time business discussions and networking opportunities among key players in the global grain trade, including producers, exporters, and foreign buyers of U.S. corn, sorghum, and distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS).
“It is essential for us to strengthen the bonds between suppliers and partner countries, and the connections we make this week will not only help propel our industry this year, but for years to come,” said Ryan LeGrand, president and CEO of the U.S. Grains Council. “Export Exchange provides the perfect environment for stakeholders to get answers, make contacts, and build business.”
Spotlight on US trade goals and industry trends
Kicking off Tuesday’s sessions was Jason Hafemeister, acting deputy undersecretary for trade and foreign agricultural affairs at the USDA, who highlighted the importance of trade to the U.S. agricultural sector.
“Exports help keep rural American economies strong and vibrant, so we are all in on promoting trade,” Hafemeister said. “The United States is a reliable supplier of agricultural products. We want to develop strong relationships with our trading partners, and we think that the flow of agricultural commodities is critical to do so.”
Throughout the day, industry experts addressed a range of topics, from global feed demand to supply chain logistics, reflecting on the dynamic shifts and challenges within the agricultural market. Notable sessions included:
- Global feed demand outlook by Ankush Bhandari, Verition Fund Management.
- Supply chain requirements amidst global upheaval by Ken Eriksen, Polaris Analytics and Consulting.
- Understanding today’s contracts by Alejandra Castillo and Thomas Erickson, North American Export Grain Association.
The program also delved into emerging trends and niche markets. Sessions such as “Sorghum, The Smart Choice” presented by Norma Ritz Johnson of the United Sorghum Checkoff Program, “Co-Products in Pet Food” by Kent Cooper from Evolve Consulting, and “Seafood Protein Demand Outlook” by Gary Morrison from Expana highlighted potential growth areas for U.S. agricultural exports.
Looking ahead: Day two of Export Exchange 2024
The conference will conclude on Wednesday, with a focus on sustainability and the evolving market for U.S. grain co-products. Discussions will include:
- New co-products in the market by Joe Ward, Dried Distillers Council.
- Sustainable corn and co-products exports by Carlos Suárez, USGC Director of Global Sustainability.
- A panel on the value of U.S. corn, featuring Dr. Vijay Singh from the University of Illinois, Kurt Shultz from USGC, and Doug Kitch of CPM Industrial Solutions.
Export Exchange 2024 continues to be a cornerstone event for building international relationships and promoting U.S. grain and co-products on the global stage. For more information on the event, visit Export Exchange or follow the conversation on social media using the hashtag #ExEx24.
