Mercer Corn Grower Promotes Trade With Europe

(JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.)–Missouri Corn Growers Association (MCGA) Vice President Gary Porter of Mercer, Mo., recently returned from a trade mission to Europe where he represented the state’s number one industry with foreign trade partners. The trade mission led by Gov. Jay Nixon focused on increasing long-term investments in the state and boosting exports of Missouri-made products to Europe.

“Everybody on the team had a goal, and it was promoting Missouri,” Porter said upon returning. “There were deals made on this trip to send our products to Europe and contracts were signed in just the short time we were there. That’s what it was all about.”

The delegation made stops in Italy, Germany and Spain during the March 21-28 mission. Members of the delegation included: Gov. Nixon, First Lady Georganne Nixon, Missouri Department of Economic Development Director Mike Downing, Missouri Director of Agriculture Richard Fordyce, Senate President Pro Tem Tom Dempsey, House Speaker John Diehl, State Sen. Jill Schupp, State Rep. John Rizzo as well as representatives from Missouri businesses and industries.

Missouri exports to Italy, Germany and Spain exceeded $577 million in 2014. While in Europe, Porter discussed Missouri corn production and quality with farmers unions in Germany and Spain, visited with the head of Munich’s foreign trade association about the safety of genetically modified crops, toured a German dairy operation and visited with Spain’s U.S. Grains Council representative regarding increasing Missouri corn and distillers grains use in country. Porter took the opportunity to discuss current policy issues impacting Missouri growers with the elected officials in the delegation.

“It was amazing how much could happen in a relatively short timeframe,” Porter said. “Exportation of Missouri products to Europe will take place because of the connections and conversations with our international trade partners. I want to thank Governor Nixon and MCGA for inviting me to participate in this event. It was a great opportunity to promote the high quality corn Missouri farmers are producing.”

MCGA is a grassroots organization of more than 2,600 members dedicated to increasing the profitability of corn production through sound policies, continued market development and strong involvement in the political process. To learn more about the corn industry in Missouri, visit www.mocorn.org.