Council Attends APEC Food Security Dialogue; Engages Public, Private Stakeholders

Recently, the U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council (USGBC) participated in the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) High-Level Public-Private Dialogue on Food Security in Dalian, China, drawing nearly 150 representatives from APEC member economies, including government agencies, industry associations, research institutions and international organizations.

A thematic forum was convened under the theme "High-Quality Development of the Grain Industry and New Opportunities for Asia-Pacific Regional Food Security Cooperation."

USGBC Director in China Manuel Sanchez, USGBC Program Manager Ellie Yan and National Sorghum Producers and United Sorghum Checkoff Program CEO Tim Lust attended to emphasize the importance of global agricultural connectivity in food security.

"Food security depends on strong connections between the farmers who grow grain and the markets that need it," Lust said.

"For U.S. sorghum producers, conversations like these help us understand customer needs, strengthen relationships and identify opportunities for our crop. Working together across government and industry can help turn those opportunities into dependable trade that supports growers and customers alike."

Lust delivered a presentation to attendees, stressing the importance of public-private partnerships, with industry organizations serving as the link between growers, exporters and end-user markets. He also highlighted trade as a critical stabilizing force that moves grain from surplus to deficit regions, thereby reinforcing regional and global supply chain resilience.

While in Dalian, the team also visited Sam's Club to observe consumer trends, quality requirements and pricing for imported agricultural products and toured a corn field in the Dalian area to engage in direct discussions with local farmers on planting practices and technology applications.

Separately, the delegation met with officials from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and its Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) to exchange views on China's current macro economy, agricultural trade policy and market trends.

Throughout the mission, the team held side meetings with core customers, discussing China's sorghum import, customer priorities, U.S. sorghum production, harvest progress and inventory.

"Our visits provided broad exposure to China's current economic climate, grain import landscape and trade for feedstuffs, along with practical discussions with customers on their procurement planning. These exchanges will help the U.S. industry better understand the Chinese market demand and how it is evolving, contributing to stable bilateral trade and laying the foundation for a long-term, mutually beneficial partnership," Sanchez said.

"The Council extends its appreciation to the relevant Chinese authorities for their support and coordination during the visit and looks forward to deepening practical industry cooperation through open and continued dialogue."

Learn more about the Council's work in China on the organization's website.