In Egypt, the Agricultural Minister Counselor for the United States is Jonathan Gressel (pictured center). He met with the U.S. Grains Council Corn Mission team today at a late lunch and we really appreciate him taking time for the visit.
John says his primary mission is market access and development for U.S. products. He says that currently Egypt is an excellent, growing market and not just for corn but for ddgs and corn gluten. He says that when more corn moves into the market it helps American corn growers while also helping build new industry in Egypt. One of the challenges in the market is poultry industry which was hit hard by avian influenza but is coming back.
When it comes to the work of the USGC he says that Dr. Hussein Soliman, USGC Country Director, is one of his “go-to” people and that companies and the government respect him as well. He points to the successful Egyptian Cattlemen’s Bank as one of the projects that was founded with support of USGC. He says that the USGC “has a good team working here and is one of your best programs.”
You can listen to my interview with Jonathan below: