As part of ongoing efforts to expand markets for U.S. commodities, the U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council (USGBC) recently conducted a week-long mission across Spain and Portugal focused on growing demand for U.S. sorghum. Staff from USGBC’s Washington, D.C. headquarters, its Europe, Middle East and Africa regional office, and member company CHS engaged with key players in the sorghum sector.
USGBC Deputy Regional Director Ana Maria Ballesteros emphasized that while Spain already imports U.S. sorghum, there is significant potential for growth. “End-users remain very interested in U.S. sorghum as an enhancement to feed formulas,” she said. Meetings included feed producer associations, commodity traders, and major end-users in Madrid, Murcia, and Barcelona, as well as top importers discussing market outlook and purchase opportunities.
In Lisbon, the Council hosted a conference with the Portuguese Association of Compound Feed Manufacturers, focusing on sorghum’s applications in animal feed and Portugal’s logistics for sourcing it. USGBC Manager of Global Trade Jace Hefner noted the importance of nutritional education and logistics to overcome misconceptions and increase sorghum inclusion rates.
The mission generated ideas for future programming aimed at boosting interest in U.S. sorghum and other Council-represented commodities throughout the Iberian Peninsula.
