By Scout Nelson
The U.S. Grains Council (USGC) recently hosted a delegation of Mexican brewers to explore the U.S. barley value chain. This visit aimed to build trust, study logistics, and strengthen future trade opportunities. The group wanted assurances on sustainable farming and transport systems of U.S. barley.
USGC has been a reliable partner for the brewer, notably resolving a phytosanitary issue in a 2023/24 shipment of 15,000 metric tons of U.S. barley. This effort renewed the brewer’s confidence in sourcing from the U.S. and opened doors for working with more American growers.
“The brewer was eager to visit suppliers in Idaho and North Dakota and study the shipping process to be assured grain quality in transportation,” said Javier Chávez, USGC senior marketing manager and escort for the program. “The team was very impressed with how, through sustainable practices farmers lower input costs like water and fertilizer and evaluate new barley varieties for potential future trials, all exciting prospects that can take U.S. barley exports to the next level.”
The visit began in North Dakota, where the group attended sessions on barley production, market trends, rail transport, quality checks, and pricing at the Northern Crops Institute. They also visited a local malting facility to understand shipping procedures and toured a nearby barley farm.
In Idaho, the team toured the University of Idaho’s Aberdeen Research and Extension Center. They learned about USDA’s barley breeding program, which opened possibilities for future malt and beer innovations.
Mountain Malt, a USGC member, showcased its operations, nearby farms, and irrigation systems, highlighting resource-saving farming techniques practiced by U.S. growers.
Meetings with the Idaho Grain Inspection Service and Idaho State Department of Agriculture provided insights into the quality standards followed when exporting barley to Mexico.
The group also connected with feed cooperatives, farms, and irrigation projects, laying a foundation for future sales. “These representatives began the program with concerns about product health and integrity but left with a strong trust in U.S. growers and the quality assurance procedures throughout the growing, harvesting, malting and transportation processes,” said Chávez.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-eugenesergeev
Categories: North Dakota, Business