Identifying and assessing potential export markets for Iowa corn continues to be a high priority for the market development committee. Currently, the Latin American market (including the Caribbean) is a focus. Recent efforts have included:
- Conducting fact-finding missions to identify potential customers and establish relationships, determine their corn requirements, and become familiar with trade regulations and restrictions.
- Hosting Latin American buyers in Iowa to help them understand the state’s corn farming and processing industry.
- Investigating the potential for exports of distillers grains (DG), and educating Latin American buyers about the product.
The ICPB also has stepped up its market development efforts with Cuba, including trade missions, hosting Cuban representatives, seminars and trade exhibitions.