New Sorghum Assurances Protocol Supports Buyer Confidence in U.S. Sorghum
For more information, contact:
Clint White
Director of Communications
United Sorghum Checkoff Program
clint@sorghumcheckoff.com
For Immediate Release
May 8, 2026
New Sorghum Assurances Protocol Supports Buyer Confidence in U.S. Sorghum
LUBBOCK, Texas (May 8, 2026) — The U.S. sorghum industry today announced the first issuance of Sorghum Assurances Protocol certificates, a major milestone that strengthens the crop’s position in global markets by providing verified documentation of U.S. sorghum production practices.
Developed by the United Sorghum Checkoff Program (USCP) in partnership with the U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council (USGBC), the Sorghum Assurances Protocol establishes a standardized framework to document how U.S. sorghum is produced across key areas including production practices, supply chain integrity and traceability. The issuance of the first certificates marks the transition from development to real-world application, allowing verified sorghum to move through commercial channels.
“This is an important step forward for U.S. sorghum growers and the entire value chain,” said Tim Lust, CEO of USCP. “We’ve worked for several years to build a system that clearly communicates the value of U.S. sorghum to our customers around the world. With these first certificates, we’re now delivering that value in a way that is tangible, credible and aligned with customer and market needs.”
The certificates provide buyers and end users with additional confidence in U.S. sorghum, helping support continued access to key export markets and future growth opportunities across food, feed and fuel sectors.
“This achievement reflects strong collaboration across the sorghum industry to develop a program that works for producers, customers and the broader supply chain,” said Kim Baldwin, USCP Board Chair and USGBC Innovation & Sustainability Advisory Team Lead. “Through the Innovation & Sustainability Advisory Team, we’ve worked to build a practical framework that supports producer opportunities while helping position U.S. sorghum as a trusted, sustainable choice in global markets.”
For producers, the milestone represents another step in strengthening demand for U.S.-grown sorghum at a time when global markets are increasingly focused on documented production practices.
“Global customers are increasingly asking for greater transparency and documentation across agricultural supply chains,” said Ryan LeGrand, President and CEO of USGBC. “The Sorghum Assurances Protocol helps meet that demand and reinforces the reliability and value of U.S. sorghum in international markets. This is an important step in maintaining and growing market access for our producers.”
The voluntary, industry-led effort helps communicate how U.S. sorghum is produced and handled while supporting customer requests and strengthening market opportunities for U.S. sorghum. By aligning with globally recognized frameworks, the protocol further positions U.S. sorghum as a reliable, high-quality ingredient across food, feed and fuel markets.
“As global demand evolves, it’s critical that U.S. agriculture continues to lead with innovation and transparency,” Lust added. “This work ensures sorghum remains well-positioned not just today, but into the future.”
More information about the Sorghum Assurances Protocol is available at sustainablesorghumexports.org.
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About the United Sorghum Checkoff Program
The United Sorghum Checkoff Program is a producer-funded organization dedicated to improving the sorghum industry through research, promotion and education. For more information, visit SorghumCheckoff.com.
