Hesham Hassanein has stepped down as the U.S. Grains Council’s (USGC’s) regional director of the Middle East and Africa, as of June 5. Despite this staff change, the Council remains committed to its presence and programs in the Middle East, Africa and Europe region and is assessing options to maintain USGC representation in this critical area of the world.
USGC programs are continuing on schedule in that region with a capacity building team from the Middle East and North Africa slated to visit the Midwest in August; five buyers teams scheduled to attend Export Exchange in October; and the Tanzania food for progress program continuing its training courses this summer and fall.
All of these programs are part of a larger strategy to build interest and demand for U.S. coarse grains and co-products through outreach targeted at each major market’s specific needs, focusing on relationship building, providing market information and conducting programs to demonstrate the value of U.S. feed grains.
Until a new director is named, questions about USGC programs in the Middle East, Africa and Europe should be directed to Cary Sifferath or Kurt Shultz in the Washington, D.C., office.