The countdown to the 2014 Export Exchange has begun as hundreds of grain and co-product buyers and sellers from across the globe prepare to gather in Seattle. The three-day conference, taking place on October 20–22, brings together nearly 200 international buyers and end-users of U.S. coarse grains and co-products with 300 representatives from domestic agribusinesses and commodity organizations. We are once again partnering with the U.S. Grains Council to host this year's event, which is expected to attract a record number of international buyers. As the representative of America's ethanol industry, my colleagues and I know the importance that dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) play in the global feed industry. The ethanol industry produced 36 million metric tons of animal feed last year, about a quarter of which was exported to more than 50 countries around the world. Now traders from many of those countries will come to the United States in search of networking opportunities with American suppliers in order to build on what has already become a dynamic relationship. In addition to connecting buyers and sellers, the Export Exchange will offer a host of information on current market dynamics in the global course grain and co-product trade. The conference will delve into supply and demand, factors driving the markets, and barriers to trade. There will also be discussion about GMOs and other issues affecting the trade of course grains. This is an exciting opportunity for grain and co-product marketers and RFA is proud to provide a voice for the U.S. agriculture industry at this biennial forum. Don't miss this chance to learn, connect, and build new relationships. Those interested should visit ExportExchange.org to register.
