In tough economic times, we need to be making sure that we are keeping up demand for our grains and their products. It can be a challenge when the global economy is hurting, and you want to make sure that the values of global currencies aren’t cheating one side or the other in trade. While producers are enjoying higher prices, it makes it difficult to always find willing buyers for our products. That is why organizations like the U.S. Grains Council exist. They help do all they can to help find and grow markets for our goods.
Carey Sifferath is the Vice President of the U.S. Grains Council. I caught up with him back near the end of November, and we discussed the situation we are finding ourselves in. The challenges as well as the ways we can keep ourselves competitive in a global market. He says that demand is still good, but there are some hiccups that cannot be helped. He also talks about where our best customers are, and where we are developing.
Sifferath talks about the message they are bringing to our newer customers about the ethanol products we can provide them. He says that while electric vehicles are an option to get us to carbon zero, ethanol is a huge step in the right direction and is available now.
Despite the global economic situation, we are still seeing the emergence and growth of the middle class in Africa. Sifferath recently traveled to Africa with a USDA trade mission. He reflects on what is happening over there.
Our customers are also becoming more conscientious about what they are buying, and they want to see it grown in a way that does minimal damage to the planet. However, we also are talking about how we can find ways to do better for the environment without costing producers too much money and jeopardizing their family farms. Sifferath comments on those conversations and what American farmers can be proud of.
We have only scratched the surface of what the U.S. Grains Council is doing to help support our export markets around the globe. You can learn more about the mission and goals of USGC by visiting its website.
