The merger of two agricultural organizations promises stronger representation for U.S.-grown identity preserved crops on the global stage.

The Northern Food Grade Soybean Association and Midwest Shippers Association will now operate as the Specialty Soya and Grains Alliance (SSGA).

“As the specialty grains market has grown, the demand for containerized processed soy and especially grains has grown across the world,” said Tom Slunecka, CEO of Ag Management Solutions, which is managing the launch of the new organization.

“This alliance is going to do much of the same thing that the other groups had been doing, with a larger emphasis on marketing and establishing the United States as the premier spot for purchasing specialty grains,” said Slunecka.

The group was successful in securing a $1.5 million Agricultural Trade Promotion grant from the USDA, which they plan to use to begin operations and also to create a new globally recognized brand for United States specialty grains. The boards of the two groups have been meeting together for the past six months, and they are now searching for an executive director to oversee day to day operations.

Listen to Chuck’s interview with Tom here: Interview with Tom Slunecka, Specialty Soya and Grains Alliance