ASA and others in the ag industry have formed the Globally Based Initiative (GBI) alliance as part of ongoing efforts to boost awareness of sustainable production practices and engage European Union stakeholders.

In its first outreach mission, representatives from USSEC, ASMI, USDEC and USA Rice met with stakeholders in London, UK and Berlin, Germany, where the U.S. alliance representatives gave presentations, held discussions at well-attended workshops and met with officials and media.

ASA Vice President Ron Moore represented USSEC on this mission.The alliance is led by USSEC on behalf of the American Soybean Association (ASA).

“The goal of the EU GBI mission was to share information about the US AG industry's efforts on sustainability that many in the EU are not aware of. The dairy, soybean and seafood industries have developed extensive metrics that confirm that these products are produced very sustainably,” Moore said. “Both the British and German industry stakeholders were very happy that the US ag industry were sharing our efforts with them.”

Other partners are USA Rice Federation (USA Rice); the North American Export Grain Association (NAEGA); Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute (ASMI); the American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC); USA Poultry and Egg Council (USAPEEC); Food Export Midwest; Food Export Northeast; the U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) and the U.S. Grains Council (USGC).