USA Rice in Colombia to Foster Ag Cooperation

BARRANQUILLA & BOGOTA, COLOMBIA – Last week, USA Rice Senior Director of International Promotion for the Western Hemisphere Asiha Grigsby spearheaded a series of trade servicing meetings with key importers here to discuss the prospects of the 2024-25 crop, addressing both opportunities and challenges anticipated in the upcoming season.  The importers, who previously participated in USA Rice reverse trade missions in the Midsouth, also talked about the potential impacts of the upcoming U.S. elections on trade relations and continued quality discussions.

"Our ongoing engagement with Colombian importers underscores the importance of maintaining strong, transparent relationships,” said Grigsby.  “The insights gained from these sessions are invaluable as we prepare for harvest season."

Grigsby also attended the 2024 Americas Agricultural Cooperators Conference in Bogota, the capital city.  This event, a collaborative effort sponsored by the U.S. Soybean Export Council, the U.S. Grains Council, the U.S. Wheat Association, and USA Rice, brought together industry leaders from each commodity to delve into critical topics such as producer updates, market analysis, nutrition and animal production, sustainability, and innovation.

A highlight of the conference was the keynote address delivered by Vicki Manzoli, vice president of operations at The Rice Company (TRC) and chair of the USA Rice Western Hemisphere Promotion Subcommittee, on Climate Smart initiatives within the rice industry emphasizing the industry's commitment to sustainable practices and innovation.

“I shared the long history of our sustainability efforts and our more recent collaboration with Ducks Unlimited and the National Black Growers Council as it relates to the Climate Smart Initiative,” said Manzoli.  “Representatives from the various U.S. commodity groups also expressed appreciation at learning more about the many conservation efforts of U.S. rice farmers especially as concerns biodiversity and habitat preservation.”

The information exchange was fruitful as was the opportunity for Colombian trade members to engage directly with USA Rice representatives.  As the industry looks forward to the 2024-25 crop year, these engagements are crucial in navigating the complexities of international trade and ensuring a prosperous future for all stakeholders involved.

Grigsby concluded, “The in-person interactions provided a platform for fostering deeper connections and understanding between the U.S. and Colombian agricultural sectors.”