New U.S. Grains Council Chairman Chip Councell says a recent trip to the U.S. by members of the Japanese media to learn about corn production and biotechnology is an important step in increasing markets access. He says this is a great opportunity to build relationships and provide reporters with accurate scientific information on this technology.

He says without those relationships it’s difficult to establish and keep markets. Councell says one-on-one meetings with U.S. farmers, potential customers and influencers like the media is what usually makes the sale.

Councell says his top goal as chairman of U.S. Grains Council is to continue improving export market opportunities for U.S. farmers and ranchers and this trade team visit fit into that.

Councell, who farms in eastern Maryland, often has six to eight foreign trade teams tour his farm annually.