The U.S. Grains Council continued its 65th Annual Board of Delegates Meeting Wednesday with discussions focused on international trade policy and American agriculture’s global position.
Morning activities began with commodity-specific sector meetings where delegates from agribusiness, barley, corn, sorghum and general farm organizations gathered to address industry concerns.
Former U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow delivered a keynote presentation on American agriculture in a changing world during the general session.
“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.”
Jay O’Neil, proprietor of HJ O’Neil Commodity Consulting, addressed shipbuilding challenges facing the industry during the same session.
The afternoon agenda featured breakout discussions on trade developments in Mexico, India and Southeast Asia, led by regional experts including Kenneth Smith Ramos, Mark Linscott and Chris Markey.
The meeting concludes Thursday with elections for council officers, sector leadership positions and Advisory Team appointments.
