SSGA tabs Wenberg as executive director

Senior Foreign Service career member to develop SSGA as global food industry leader

By Katelyn Blackwelder

The Specialty Soya and Grains Alliance (SSGA) announced Eric Wenberg has been named executive director of the organization. Wenberg began duties Monday with meetings with U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) officials in Washington, D.C., and visited the Japanese Embassy later in the week.

“We’re pleased that Eric has taken on the role as executive director,” said SSGA chairman Curt Petrich. “His broad knowledge and experience with agricultural exports throughout the world make him well positioned to lead SSGA and develop the organization as a leader in the global food industry.”

Wenberg comes to SSGA after retiring as a career member of the Senior Foreign Service, and following a twenty eight-year career with USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) serving in American Embassies in Ottawa, Pretoria, Warsaw and Moscow. He was active abroad assisting U.S. agricultural businesses exports, negotiating trade agreements, settling disputes with foreign governments, and speaking and publishing reports on foreign agricultural conditions. On domestic assignments at USDA headquarters, Wenberg served as assistant deputy administrator of Foreign Service Operations, directing 90 offices abroad. Earlier positions with FAS included director of cooperator programs, where Wenberg was responsible for setting financial management and policy for Farm Bill foreign marketing programs of grants to U.S industry. He was also a representative on the governing board of the American Foreign Service Association.

Wenberg says he’s eager to build on the strides SSGA has made to connect farmers and consumers.

“Today’s consumers drive decisions about agriculture with their wish to make informed decisions about their preferences and nutrition,” Wenberg said. “SSGA is positioned to drive efficiency and create opportunity in the identity-preserved soy and grain sector, and help businesses and farmers enjoy the price premium they can earn with their hard work fulfilling those consumers’ demands.”

Wenberg’s hiring comes on the heels of SSGA’s formation following the alliance of Midwest Shippers Association (MSA) and the Northern Food Grade Soybean Association (NFGSA). He will serve as the lead staff analyzing trends in the specialty soya and grains industry, including the transportation of these products. He will work with the SSGA board and staff to position the organization to grow into and thrive on a national level.

Wenberg is a Wyoming native and graduated from the University of Wyoming with a master’s degree in agricultural economics. Wenberg also helps his family operate a farm in North Dakota.