Reiners Targets Key Export Markets Amid Record Trade Growth

Jay Reiners, the new chairman of the U.S. Grains and BioProducts Council, says protecting key export markets will be his top priority.

Reiners, a Nebraska farmer, points to Mexico as a crucial market for corn exports, with over a billion bushels annually going down to Mexico.

'We need to protect that at all costs,' Reiners said. 'They're just on the cusp of starting to import ethanol, and I'm hoping within six months we get an E10 mandate from down there.'

He also sees opportunities for growth in Southeast Asia, where rapidly developing countries are seeking higher-quality nutrition and clean fuel initiatives.

'It's especially Southeast Asia... they're middle class populations exploding,' Reiners said. 'First thing they always seek out is a higher quality nutrition... so I think the US is very well positioned to help supply that.'