In September, the U.S. Grains Council’s (USGC’s) Regional Director in Latin America (LTA) Marri Tejada, Kansas Corn CEO Josh Roe and LTA Regional Ethanol Consultant Juan Diaz joined the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Trade Mission (ATM) in Chile. The ATM, led by Undersecretary Alexis Taylor, aimed to strengthen commercial ties between the U.S. and Chile and celebrate 200 years of diplomatic relations.
The delegation had the opportunity to brief Undersecretary Taylor on the Council’s activities in the country to promote the use of ethanol, which was also instrumental in shaping the narrative during a meeting between the USDA and the Chilean Ministry of Environment.
This activity is part of the Council’s efforts to develop and expand the market for ethanol in the region by promoting studies and assessments on ethanol as a technical and scientific basis for informed decision-making by policymakers, private sector representatives and consumers.
“Receiving the support of USDA and its leaders represents considerable progress in our activities in Chile. After Undersecretary Taylor’s meetings with the government, our counterparts are now aligned and willing to continue assessing the benefits an E10 program might bring to the Chileans,” Diaz said.
In addition, the Council had a productive meeting with the Ministry of Energy and the National Refinery (ENAP) that included a review of future activities and exploring the production of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Council staff were also able to meet with leaders from COPEC, the largest energy distributor and retailer in Chile, who expressed their organization’s support in adopting an ethanol program in the country.
Pictured (L to R) Marri Tejada, USGC LTA regional director; Bret Tate, Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) Ag Attaché in Chile; USDA Undersecretary Alexis Taylor; Josh Roe, Kansas Corn CEO; and Juan Diaz, USGC LTA regional ethanol consultant.
