BioProducts Bring New Focus for U.S. Grains Council

Council leaders see new opportunities to create international demand for U.S. agriculture.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD News) — As the White House works to expand trade opportunities, grain groups are doubling down on efforts to bring in more customers.

The U.S. Grains and BioProducts Council recently added “BioProducts” to its name, and Chairman Jay Reiners said the change is part of an effort to boost international trade.

“As the traders and government officials in foreign countries get older and retire, there’s a whole new group of youngsters coming up or brand-new industries, and it’s like: Why are we talking to U.S. Grains Council? What do you have to do? We don’t deal in grains. There’s a whole gamut of things. BioProducts Council came into play not only the ethanol and DDGs but also, we got the future of biochemicals and bio-plastics and all that. Hopefully the name change will last for the next 30–40 years.”

Reiners said increasing export demand is critical to creating value beyond the local elevator.

Related Stories
Soy Transportation Coalition’s Mike Steenhoek discusses how rising diesel costs affect grain delivery decisions and how farmers can use their free calculator to compare transportation costs and protect profitability.
USDA Selects Eight Projects Representing More Than $1.3 Billion in American Fertilizer Manufacturing Investment to Strengthen National Security and Support Farmers
Higher shipping costs could make U.S. grain less competitive overseas.
The planned UAE facility could create a new annual export outlet for American corn growers.
Slower exports and stronger foreign competition are weighing on the U.S. pork sector.
The proposed deal would combine nearly half of U.S. rail traffic under one railroad.

Knoxville native Neal Burnette-Irwin is a graduate from MTSU where he majored in Journalism and Entertainment Studies. He works as a digital content producer with RFD News and is represented by multiple talent agencies in Nashville and Chicago.


LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

CoBank says beef-on-dairy is playing a major role in the changing market.
Smith’s chapter is getting a firsthand look at the ag sector through an FFA industry trip.
Jess Peterson says January could bring a strong start if global pressures ease.
GasBuddy says Chinese production and Russian oil remain key factors for diesel supplies.
The fire burned nearly 160,000 acres as the community rallied to protect homes and ranches.
Both versions would set a minimum for program funds used to buy American commodities.
NCBA says greater efficiency is allowing the industry to produce more beef with fewer cattle.
Pork exports to Mexico have more than doubled during the six years of USMCA.
Championed by Keep Louisiana Beautiful, the statewide effort removed 68 tons of litter and debris from 51 parishes in September, in honor of Love Our Watersways Month.
Export Exchange 2026 is connecting more than 50 countries with U.S. suppliers.
Checkoff research is targeting quality and efficiency as imported lamb expands its market share.
Good Agriculture is using technology to help producers better understand expenses and profitability.