Board Of Delegates Meeting Speakers Talk International Trade Policy, Commodity Demand

The U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council's (USGBC's) 66th Annual Board of Delegates Meeting, held this week in Milwaukee, WI, continued Thursday with a slate of industry experts and policymakers highlighting crucial topics in agricultural exports to Canada, Mexico and Southeast Asia.

Thursday kicked off with commodity sector meetings, where growers and agribusiness leaders gathered to discuss the latest developments in their industries.

Thursday also featured two general sessions, with the morning's focused on commodity utilization and demand. A panel of local brewers shared their perspective on the future of barley and malt and International Bunker Industry Association Chair Adrian Tolson shared insights into industry integration of sustainable marine fuel (SMF).

"The quality of U.S. malt is the most consistent I've experienced because of the amount of hands involved in getting it to me with the most care," said Kevin Wright, Third Space Brewing co-founder and brew master.

"You're getting a quality, consistent product that will deliver on the specifications you put forward. That's the huge advantage of U.S. malt."

Later, AGON Partner Kenneth Smith Ramos and PAA Senior Partner Dan Pfeffer dived deep into the U.S. agricultural sector's trade relationship with Mexico and Canada and what to expect in the coming years.

Finally, USGBC Regional Director for Southeast Asia & Oceania Caleb Wurth presented trade policy news from his region affecting demand for U.S. agricultural goods.

The conference will conclude Friday with the Council's Board of Delegates meeting that will include financial, A-Team and sector reports and elections for open positions on the Council's board of directors.

Follow along on social media using the hashtag #Grains26 or find more information about the meeting on our website here.