SSGA directors discuss ATP grant, market access with trade and regulatory agencies

By Eric Wenberg

Specialty Soya and Grains Alliance (SSGA) Chairman Curt Petrich and Vice Chairman Bob Sinner visited Washington, D.C., last week to represent specialty soya and grains issues to federal agencies and supporters of plant-based proteins and grains.

The main purpose of the trip was to thank USDA Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) Administrator Ken Isley for including SSGA in the Agricultural Trade Promotion (ATP) grant program. SSGA is activating its $1.5 million project with support from the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) to complete a portal to connect soya and specialty grain exporters with clients through digital networking. SSGA is pushing for recognition abroad of America’s achievements in farm-to-table connections with customers supported by world premium identity preservation standards.

Along with myself, the group also discussed market access abroad for food grade issues and at-home certification and transportation issues with USDA and other federal agencies, ultimately looking for solutions to reduce cost for identify-preserved (IP) producers and containerized shipping.

“If we can start to peel the onion of regulatory and logistical limits to containerized shipping from rural America, we can help the bottom line for U.S. exporters accessing export markets direct from America’s growers,” Petrich said.

Petrich is concerned that the costs of logistical hurdles today can eat away at the premiums for IP.

SSGA has a goal from its members to make it easier to trade.

The trip to DC got the ball rolling. With questions and to report your interests in pressing for lower cost, effective certification and transport, feel free to contact me directly at ewenberg@soyagrainsalliance.org.