Brussels meetings this week – thanks to the IGTC delegation!

Sincere thanks to the Corporate Stakeholders and member associations who participated in the IGTC’s Brussels delegation for meetings regarding international grain trade flows and policy priorities.

On Monday, the group attended a European Commission grains outlook seminar, during which DG Agriculture and the International Grains Council (IGC) provided projections for the production and trade of grains and oilseeds in the medium term. The meeting was followed by the annual cocktail reception of COCERAL, the European association representing the trade of grains, oilseeds, feedstuffs, and other agrosupplies. The reception was co-hosted by IGTC.

On Tuesday, the 46th Session of the International Grains Council (IGC) saw 55 governments, UN and WTO observers invited to discuss the promotion of expansion, openness and fairness in the grains sector. IGTC President Gary C. Martin provided an update as part of the agenda, his presentation is here.

In the context of discussions on the Agricultural Market Information Service (AMIS), there was interest from both the UN’s FAO and the IGC to work with IGTC on the monitoring of global “trade chokepoints”. In addition, expanded communication with IGTC was welcomed by participants at the meeting. 

Leadership change at the International Grains Council (IGC)

The IGTC congratulates Mr. Etsuo Kitahara on his 12 years of service as Executive Director of the International Grains Council (IGC). Mr. Kitahara has been a friend and ally to many in the IGC’s mission to contribute to the “expansion, openness and fairness of the global grains sector”. The IGTC recognises Mr. Kitahara’s long-standing and strong support for increased cooperation with private sector associations, especially those having unique expertise and representation in the grain trade. We are looking forward to hearing about his future accomplishments in Japan.

This week it has been confirmed that Mr. Arnaud Petit will take the helm of the IGC in February 2018. Mr. Petit is currently Director for commodities and trade at the European farmer and cooperative association, COPA-COGECA. He brings knowledge of the international grain trade, as well as its representative organisations, to the role.  

Published: IPPC Standards Committee report – November 2017

The report from the November 13-17 Standards Committee (SC), which brought together 25 governments, is now available here.

The report includes details about the forthcoming International Standard for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPM) for the movement of grain, which stands to impact over 85% of global trade. Agreement has not yet been reached on outstanding issues such as “foreign material” and “traceability”. All 183 countries or “contracting parties” to the IPPC will present views on the draft ISPM in April 2018, followed by another meeting of the SC in May.

The IGTC is coordinating advocacy to make sure that grain trade expertise is fed into the process from all corners of the globe.

IGTC Corporate Stakeholders and member associations are urged to maintain their participation and support for this effort!

The accuracy of the information reported and interpreted in this communication is not guaranteed. All contents are subject to correction and revision. This newsletter and referenced links are for the use of IGTC Members and Stakeholders only and should otherwise be treated as confidential.