By Jamie Martin
Recently U.S. Grains Council (USGC) launched a key initiative, sponsoring a Moroccan delegation for a grain procurement management course at North Dakota State University's Northern Crops Institute. This training is part of a broader effort to enhance grain trade capacities and foster international relationships.
Led by USGC's Deputy Regional Director for Africa, Mohamed Salah Bouthour, the program addresses a vital need for skilled procurement in Morocco to meet its growing demand for feed grains.
The curriculum covered topics from grain futures markets to U.S. transport logistics, delivered through presentations by expert professors and practical, hands-on exercises.
Participants also toured significant U.S. agricultural sites, including a feed mill, a shuttle train loading facility, and the CHS, Inc. export terminal, providing them with a comprehensive view of the U.S. grain export process.
The visit extended to the Duluth Seaway Port and Hansen-Mueller’s grain terminal elevator in Minnesota, enhancing their understanding of international grain handling.
The training concluded with sessions at major U.S. agricultural firms like Cargill and ADM in Minnesota, where the attendees engaged in international contract negotiations and discussed global market strategies with experienced traders.
This initiative not only equips Moroccan grain purchasers with advanced skills but also strengthens U.S.-Africa agricultural ties, supporting USGC’s mission to expand U.S. agricultural reach into promising markets like Africa.
Photo Credit: us-grains-council
Categories: National