Ethanol Blog

Latin American buyers and users were assured of the U.S. commitment to supply their export markets with U.S. grains and co-products at a recent conference hosted by the U.S. Grains Council, according to an article by the council (http://bit.ly/…).

Latin America typically imports more than 16 million metric tons of U.S. corn and 2.3 million tons of co-products annually.

The council hosted a Regional Course Grains and Co-Product Conference in Panama, attended by 60 participants from 13 Latin American countries. Those attended were given industry overviews on product profiles, transportation information, product management information and value of the products for end-users. Presentations were also given on the dried distillers grains and corn gluten industries, supply and demand for coarse grains and an update on the ethanol industry.

Also, extensive information was provided on the technical and nutritional value of the product, as well as potential challenges and opportunities for each coarse grain.

The event also provided an opportunity for U.S. producers and suppliers to meet with top importers and large end-users of U.S. feed grain exports. Both Colombia and Ecuador confirmed future shipments of coarse grains and co-products as a result of the conference.

After the conference, council staff and U.S. representatives traveled to Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Mexico and Peru to answer questions and meet with local industry representatives.

Cheryl Anderson can be reached at Cheryl.anderson@telventdtn.com.

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