Export Exchange 2026 wrapped up today in Seattle, Wash. after a record-setting crowd of more than 500 people attended to build business relationships for agricultural trade.U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council
The biannual conference, sponsored by the U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council (USGBC), Growth Energy and the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA), brought together international buyers and domestic value chain stakeholders to discuss corn, distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS), sorghum and other commodities.
“This edition of Export Exchange shattered previous records,” said Ryan LeGrand, USGBC president and CEO. “Your participation demonstrates international understanding of the level of service you get when you buy U.S. grains and their co-products.”
U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council (USGBC) Chairman Jay Reiners (front, left) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with BioPower Energy today during Export Exchange 2026.U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council
The MOU commits BioPower Energy to procure 50 to 100% of its feedstock needs from U.S. suppliers, with an initial guaranteed minimum of one million metric tons (39 million bushels) in annual purchases. BioPower Energy Solutions CEO Sameer Salgar signed the agreement alongside Reiners, while U.S. Department of Agriculture Foreign Agricultural Service Deputy Administrator for Trade Policy and Geographical Affairs Chris Riker observed the ceremony.
“This MOU is an outstanding example of international collaboration that benefits all parties,” Reiners said. “The Council is proud to be part of this joint effort to promote the continuous and stable growth of U.S. corn purchases while helping provide renewable fuels and reduced greenhouse gas emissions in the UAE and markets around the world.”
Throughout the three-day event at the Hyatt Regency Seattle, speakers addressed why U.S. commodities offer advantages to global buyers and how the country’s scalable and transparent export system provides direct access to meet grain needs worldwide.
More than 20 industry exhibitors participated in the conference, giving attendees opportunities to build business-to-business relationships with U.S. agricultural representatives and industry leaders.
“Whether you’re heading home or out to see the U.S. value chain up close in one of our partner states, we appreciate you spending time getting to know the U.S. commodities we are so proud of,” LeGrand said during closing remarks. “We hope you leave us with no doubt that superiority of U.S. products is just that… superior.”
The conference featured presentations on new co-products in the market by Distillers Technology Council Executive Director Joe Ward, insights on how the USDA works to expand U.S. agricultural exports from USDA International Trade Specialist Collin Bradley, and a panel discussion about U.S. corn’s performance and value moderated by USGBC Manager of Global Strategies and Trade Mark Sevier.
Other speakers included Growth Energy Director of Global Policy Emily Marthaler, ProExporter Network President Marty Ruikka, RFA Chief Counsel Ed Hubbard, Wittaya Aqua CEO Stephen Gunter, RFA Chief Economist Scott Richman, United Sorghum Checkoff Program Executive Director Norma Ritz Johnson, USGBC Director of Global Sustainability Carlos F. Suárez and Polaris Analytics and Consulting Managing Member Ken Eriksen.
Twenty trade teams participated in the event, with 13 groups visiting corn-growing states before the conference to observe harvest operations, explore DDGS production at ethanol plants and view port facilities. Seven additional groups departed after Saturday’s conclusion for post-conference tours.
The post-conference trade teams include delegations from Bangladesh, China, Mongolia, Latin America, South Korea and two groups from Southeast Asia. These teams will visit North Dakota, Texas, Kansas, Ohio, Minnesota, Nebraska and Indiana from Oct. 18-21 to observe farming operations and build networks with U.S. suppliers.
“U.S. farmers and agricultural producers depend on export markets to maintain strong demand for their products, making each iteration of Export Exchange a crucially important event for the industry at-large,” Reiners said.
More information is available at reg.eventmobi.com/export-exchange-2026 or on social media at #ExEx26.
