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Buyers hungry for U.S. grains

An international grain buyer says price and quality are the top concerns when it comes to U.S. grains.

International trade manager Nicolas Gomez with one of the largest feed mills in Colombia, Italcol, says most grain grown in Colombia is used for human consumption but as the middle class grows, the country relies heavily on U.S. grain to feed their livestock industry.  “The expectation is by 2025 to get to almost twice the size we are today.”

He says biotechnology is more accepted as a means to feed growing populations.  “Middle class is the one that’s growing and is not that concerned about GMO stuff and organics and cage-free.  They’re more concerned about the price first.”

Luis Bustamante, the U.S. Grains Council marketing specialist for the Western Hemisphere, says that’s similar throughout Latin America.  “It’s more important to have a source of protein at reasonable prices to feed this growing middle class than having niche or value-added products.”

Gomez says about 95 percent of all commodities imported to Colombia are from the U.S. and adds port delays can create huge transportation backlogs.

Gomez and Bustamante spoke with Brownfield during the recent Export Exchange in Detroit, Michigan.

AUDIO: Interview with Nicolas Gomez and Luis Bustamante