U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council Director in China Manuel Sanchez and consultant Xiaoming Wang presented on global sorghum production and supply at the 14th International and Domestic Sorghum and Barley Market Seminar in Nantong.
The seminar attracted more than 160 industry representatives from across China, including grain traders, malt companies, breweries and industry institutions. Sanchez’s presentation on U.S. farmers’ ability to reliably produce and supply sorghum was well received by attendees.
Key industry platform
“This event is considered the single most important platform for the sorghum and barley industries in China,” Sanchez said. “This is the third time the Council has had the honor of participating, and it gives our team here the opportunity to expose stakeholders to the qualities of U.S. sorghum.”
The presentation sparked discussions about U.S. sorghum’s unique qualities and benefits in feed formulations during the Q&A session.
Market transparency concerns
Wang Ni Yong Chao, a sales representative at a Tianjin grain trading company, noted the importance of the event for market information sharing. “This is one of the rare industry events each year when I can cross-check what I’ve learned about the market with my peers and experts,” he said.
Strategic export market
Sanchez emphasized China’s importance to U.S. agriculture, noting that China’s use of sorghum for livestock feed and industrial products creates an important export market that supports farm revenues and strengthens rural economies across sorghum-growing regions.
