International Grain Trade Coalition (IGTC)

On November 14 and 15, IGTC members and stakeholders convened in Geneva for two days of discussions and key decisions aimed at shaping the future of the Coalition. On Thursday, IGTC co-hosted a side-event during the WTO's SPS Week alongside the United States, Canada, and Australia, titled 'Navigating Challenges in International Grain Trade: Sustainability, Innovation, and Policy.' The seminar led to engaging discussions on key global challenges and potential solutions. Friday began with an insightful Q&A session with Dmitry Grozoubinski, who offered valuable perspectives on the WTO’s work and negotiations. This was followed by dynamic discussions, led by Krista Thomas, on the future and value of IGTC, with contributions from members and stakeholders. During the IGTC General Assembly, participants reviewed key policies and reorganized the policy teams into three newly-formed working groups focused on Electronic Documentation, International Trade, and Non-Tariff Barriers. The highlight of the day was the election of new IGTC Officers and Management Council Members. A sincere appreciation to the outgoing leadership for their dedication, time, and service! We are delighted to welcome: 🔹President: Pat O'Shannassy, Grain Trade Australia 🔹Vice President: Erin Gowriluk, Canada Grains Council 🔹Secretary: Rosalind Leeck, U.S. Soybean Export Council 🔹Treasurer: Gerald Makau Masila, Eastern Africa Grain Council These two days underscored the dedication, collaboration, and shared vision of IGTC’s members and partners. A big thank you to everyone who participated and contributed to making these two days of events a success! #GrainTrade #IGTC #GlobalAgriculture #Innovation #Sustainability

Join us next Thursday (November 14) at 13:30 CET for a special session on "Navigating Challenges in International Grain Trade: Sustainability, Innovation, and Policy" co-hosted with the United States, Canada and Australia. This event will dive into critical issues impacting the global grain trade, from sustainability to digitalization and emerging biotechnologies. It’s a unique opportunity to connect with industry leaders and exchange insights on the future of grain trade. 👉 Register here to participate online: bit.ly/4fA13Rk.

Mark your calendars for the next WTO Trade Dialogue on Food. No registration required, can be watched here: https://lnkd.in/ggiCfNr

The WTO Public Forum 2024, held from September 10 to 13, featured 138 sessions and brought together over 4,000 participants, including the IGTC Secretariat and its Members. The Forum spotlighted key megatrends influencing global trade, such as climate change, geopolitical tensions, and digitalization. Climate change is driving the need for more sustainable policies, particularly in agriculture and energy. Meanwhile, rising middle powers and growing national security concerns are reshaping trade policies, and the rapid pace of digitalization is transforming global commerce, raising critical questions around inclusion and cybersecurity.   In the Opening Lecture, Harvard professor Jason Furman emphasized the vital role of globalization in reducing poverty and improving welfare, advocating for more inclusive trade policies and education to address misinformation. Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala underscored the importance of re-globalization and inclusive trade for empowering marginalized communities, particularly in developing regions. The World Trade Report 2024, launched at the Forum, reinforced this perspective by showcasing the benefits of international trade and highlighting the costs of inefficient trade policies. Additionally, the new Trade Concerns Database aims to boost transparency by tracking trade-related issues raised by WTO members. Sustainability emerged as a key theme, with conversations focused on incorporating green policies into trade to address climate challenges while enhancing productivity. The Forum also featured a discussion on Dmitry Grozoubinski's book, Why Politicians Lie About Trade, which explored how misinformation distorts public perceptions of trade policies and underscored the need for clearer political discourse.   Overall, the Forum reinforced the commitment to a more equitable and transparent global trade system that addresses critical issues like inequality, digital inclusion, and climate change. World Trade Organization

Watch 📹 Alejandra Castillo in her role as volunteer President of the International Grain Trade Coalition (IGTC), talking to the International Seed Federation on: 🌱 "Consumer Perception of #GeneEdited Products" 🔬 The key? Decisions based on reliable, safe information.... and a spirit of #collaboration across the supply chain! #safetrade #partnerships #WorldSeed2024

18 July: Join the WTO, UN Biodiversity, UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), FAO, and UN Environment Programme to discuss the role of trade policies in advancing a sustainable bioeconomy. Programme & registration: https://bit.ly/4d5N5pl #TradeandEnvironment

This week, IGTC has been actively participating in key events at the World Trade Organization to promote digital tools in agriculture. On Tuesday, Craig Fedchock, IGTC Innovation Emissary, delivered a presentation on the private sector perspective on ePhyto adoption and promotion at the SPS Committee Thematic Session on Digital Tools. His presentation highlighted efforts to advance digital tools in grain trade by sharing experiences, raising awareness across private and government sectors, and engaging in other critical activities. On June 27th, IGTC attended the ePhyto Industry Advisory Group (IAG) meeting to discuss strategic issues related to the IPPC's ePhyto solution, including sustainability funding, #ePhyto implementation and promotion, and partners' initiatives. Building on these discussions, IGTC teamed up with with the International Seed Federation (ISF), Standards and Trade Development Facility (STDF), Trademark Africa, and Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation (GATF) during a jointly hosted session at the 2024 Global Review of #AidforTrade to highlight advancements in digital connectivity that support sustainable agricultural practices, improve market access, and ensure food security. Panelists shared insights on collaborative initiatives that leverage digital tools to address food security challenges at both local and global levels. #AidforTrade #DigitalInnovation #FoodSecurity

Join International Grain Trade Coalition (IGTC), International Seed Federation, #STDF, Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation and TradeMark Africa at the upcoming session titled "Innovating for Food Security: The Role of Digital Connectivity" at the 2024 Global Review of Aid for Trade! #Aid4Trade Scheduled for June 27th, from 14:00 to 15:00 in Room S2 at the World Trade Organization, this session will delve into how digital solutions can tackle food security challenges and promote sustainable agricultural practices. https://shorturl.at/50k9C

🌾 The week of June 10-13 was marked by insightful reflections on the current state of the grain trade amidst the unpredictable environment, as IGTC members gathered in London to deliberate on the future of IGTC and actively participate in the International Grains Council Conference 2024. IGTC Organizational Strategic Discussions, held on June 10th, emphasized the necessity of strong, collective advocacy and strategic collaboration to address the complex challenges facing the grain trade today. Members highlighted IGTC’s pivotal role in the global grain trade landscape.   An IGTC-hosted session during the IGC Grains Conference on June 11th shed light on current and future challenges in ensuring food security through seamless execution, focusing on crop production, international transportation, and plant health.   While Alejandra Castillo provided an overview of the global challenges for grain traders and the need for international cooperation among multiple stakeholders, including producers, traders, transporters, and regulators to ensure the smooth flow of grains, Iliana Axiotiades, Pat O'Shannassy, and Gerald Makau Masila offered regional perspectives in light of recent EU elections, a zero-waste approach, the benefits of deregulation, and the untapped potential of intra-Africa trade.    Addressing these challenges requires a combination of technological advancements, improved communication, and increased cooperation among multiple stakeholders. Ensuring food security, managing costs and building resilient supply chains are critical to sustaining the global grain trade.   #GrainTrade #FoodSecurity #InternationalTrade #IGTC #IGC2024

Join us to discuss the situation on various maritime chokepoints and #wheat, #maize #soybean global trade outlook on the 21st March 2024 at 2.pm UK time. Register know : https://lnkd.in/g2--VkrZ