The U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council (USGBC) is a member-based organization dedicated to expanding U.S. agricultural exports by developing international markets through research and education, enabling trade by reducing policy-based headwinds to trade and improving the lives of U.S. producers and global end users.
The Council and its partners at the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) have launched several initiatives to help its members stay informed about trade policy efforts constantly underway in the Council’s nine international offices and support growers’ awareness of the importance of exports to their livelihoods.
The Council and NCGA host Trade Talk Tuesdays on a quarterly basis, where USGBC and NCGA members can register to attend virtual meetings that highlight the work being done in various areas of the world to increase agricultural trade.
In-person events are also an important part of the Council’s outreach, and Trade Policy Academies (TPAs), jointly held with NCGA across the country, are opportunities for industry stakeholders to meet experts in global trade and apply their own local experiences to the wide world of agricultural economics.
“Trade education efforts are key for farmers to understand the importance of international markets to U.S. agricultural producers and how our state partners work with national organizations to promote U.S. exports to customers around the world,” said Ellen S. Zimmerman, USGBC director of industry relations.
To register for a future TPA, frequently check the Council’s website to keep track of upcoming events near you!
The Council and NCGA are also developing a series of online modules, the Trade Ambassador Certification Program, to help members dive deeper into the multifaceted work of trade policy at their own pace and from the comfort of their homes.
The goal of the program is to equip growers with the skills to advocate for themselves and their fellow producers at a higher level and impact the changes the industry needs to continue adapting to evolving market demands.
The certification program is in a pilot phase, and full implementation will be rolled out over the course of the year.
These resources are some of the many benefits of membership to the Council! If you are not currently a member but want to know more about getting involved with the Council’s mission, contact USGBC Director of Industry Relations Ellen S. Zimmerman at ezimmerman@grains.org.