Recently, U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council (USGBC) Senior Marketing Specialist Javier Chávez led representatives from a major producer of tortillas, chips and other foods to Iowa to help optimize the company’s sustainable-sourcing strategies and follow up on interest in North American Export Grain Association (NAEGA) contracts.
The company initially learned about the NAEGA contracting process at Export Exchange, a major buyers and sellers conference held by the Council last year, and gained renewed interest in U.S. corn after visiting farms and supply chain facilities on an Export Exchange post-team to Nebraska and Missouri.
“After learning about the NAEGA contracts from the experts at Export Exchange and seeing the sustainable production techniques and the traceability of products along the U.S. corn value chain, the group requested specific training so they could get additional insights into procuring U.S. corn,” Chávez said.
“This was a testament to the success of the Council’s outreach to customers through such major events, resulting not only in direct sales on-site, but with long term interest that we can turn into lasting relationships for years down the line.”
The team’s first stop was at Corteva’s Carver Research Center. Corteva, a USGBC member, is a global leader in crop science and participants toured greenhouses and research centers to learn about the cutting-edge advancements that make U.S. producers so effective.
Next, Iowa Corn hosted the group at its headquarters for a meeting with NAEGA representatives, where contracting procedures were the primary focus.
“The Council’s members and partners like Corteva, Iowa Corn and NAEGA were instrumental as always in bridging the gap between customers and producers to give U.S. growers a leg up compared to corn of other origins,” Chávez said.
“Continuously building foundations of strong connections and relationships with international buyers and end users is a vital part of the Council’s rhythm of programs, meetings and events that generate demand for U.S. agricultural goods. I would additionally like to thank Iowa Corn for organizing and facilitating the NAEGA seminar in addition amid their busy schedules.”
Learn more about the Council’s work in Mexico here.