Delegation of sorghum farmers attend international sorghum mission
A delegation of U.S. sorghum industry representatives traveled to Morocco, Spain and Belgium earlier this month as the U.S. Grains Council continues their efforts in developing sorghum markets abroad.
Morocco grain buyers began importing sorghum two years ago as a result of export missions hosted by the Council that have connected end users with industry representatives to help them learn more about sorghum. As of May 19, U.S. sorghum sales to Morocco total 112,000 metric tons (4.4 million bushels), up 57 percent from the same time last year. Moroccan purchases totaled 98,000 tons (3.9 million bushels) in the 2009/2010 market year. Morocco bought an additional 26,000 tons (1 million bushels) in June. The latest sales are part of a regular pattern that has taken place since the team visits.
While in Morocco, the delegation met with grain buyers, feed millers and poultry and dairy operations that have recently started utilizing U.S. sorghum.
Jerry Van Zee, a sorghum farmer from Platte, S.D., and Sorghum Checkoff board member, was a part of the delegation along with five other growers representing Arkansas, Kansas, Oklahoma, Nebraska and Texas. “It is important that we as an industry continue to foster these international relationships,” Van Zee said. “For me personally, this is a great experience to get to go on site at the feed mills, dairies and poultry facilities where U.S. sorghum is now being used in these countries. For the industry and its exports to have progressed to the point that it has, it is truly a great experience for any sorghum farmer.”
While in Spain, the delegation toured two major European ports in Tarragona and Malaga that play a vital role in the importation of U.S. sorghum and other grains into Europe. Spain is the second largest importer of U.S. sorghum, and will remain a major player in sorghum export markets.
Following visits in Morocco and Spain, the delegation met with European Union officials in Brussels, Belgium, to confirm that a year-long effort to resolve an obsolete provision in the EU tariff regulations that has hindered U.S. sorghum sales to Europe. The EU levy system had been using incorrect data when establishing a reference price for sorghum. As a result, the levy on U.S. sorghum inched up, pushing sorghum prices in Europe higher than the price of corn on occasion.
“With the recent adjustment of the sorghum import levy in the European Union, timing was right for this delegation to meet with the European Agricultural Commission in Brussels,” said Cary Sifferath, USGC regional director for the Mediterranean and Africa. “The Sorghum Checkoff and the Council have been working with the Commission to establish a more transparent process for the sorghum levy. This is a big success and a crucial foothold to future and increased imports of U.S. sorghum in the area.”
Sorghum representatives on the mission were sorghum growers Bill Greving, of Prairie View, Kan., Kansas Grain Sorghum Commission; Jerry Van Zee, of Platte, S.D., United Sorghum Checkoff Program; John Dvoracek of Grand Island, Neb., Nebraska Grain Sorghum Board; Jeff Rutledge of Newport, Ark., Arkansas Corn and Grain Sorghum Board; and Brad Brainard of Enid, Okla., Oklahoma Sorghum Commission; David Thomas of New Deal, Texas, National Sorghum Producers; Benjamin Smith of Amarillo, Texas, Attebury Grain; and Lindsay Kennedy, external affairs director, United Sorghum Checkoff Program.