Members and staff of the U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council (USGBC) convened this week in Panama City, Panama, for the 23rd International Marketing Conference and 66th Annual Membership Meeting. The event focuses on expanding markets, the Panama Canal’s role, and the Council’s upcoming global trade strategy targeting Latin America and the Asia Pacific.
USGBC Chairman Mark Wilson emphasized the theme, “The Time is Now!,” highlighting recent trade successes and the importance of direct engagement with the Council’s global staff.
The conference featured presentations from U.S. Ambassador to Panama Kevin Marino Cabrera and Panama Canal Authority Administrator Dr. Ricaurte Vasquez Morales, including a ceremonial Memorandum of Understanding signing between USGBC and the Panama Canal Authority.
Sessions included a discussion on food security and grain geopolitics in Latin America led by USGBC Regional Director Marri Tejada. A panel of global directors from South Korea, China, Japan, and Taiwan shared insights on market developments and challenges.
The event concludes with sector meetings and a panel on ethanol’s expanding frontier during the USGC Board of Delegates meeting. The conference runs through Friday, with updates available via #Grains26 on social media.
