Queenstown, Maryland (August 5, 2020) – Past U.S. Grains Council (USGC) chairman and local 10th generation farmer, Chip Councell (Cordova, MD) assumes the president role of MAIZALL the international maize alliance. Chip has served on the Maryland Grain Producers board as a regional and USGC representative for over a decade.
MAIZALL was established in 2013 by leaders from USGC, the National Corn Growers Association, ABRAMILHO (Brazilian Association of Corn Producers), and MAIZER (the Argentine corn and sorghum federation). The coalition of maize associations from the U.S., Brazil, and Argentina work together to share expertise and information to address trade barriers to agricultural innovation. Growers from the three countries work together to resolve shared problems with non-tariff barriers in global markets, primarily related to agricultural biotechnology, plant breeding innovation, and crop protection. In today’s global economy and with quickly changing agricultural technology, the work of MAIZALL is more important than ever.
Councell said, “We are operating in a changing world, but MAIZALL is at the forefront of discussions surrounding agricultural innovation. I am especially excited to work with MAIZALL directors from the United States, Brazil, and Argentina to deliver our shared message through both new platforms and traditional messaging.”
Chip’s history of farming in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, with strict environmental regulations, allows him to provide personal experiences on using biotechnology and crop protection to help meet environmental standards.
Chip began work with the Council in 2008 as the Maryland delegate. Since then, Chip has served on the Trade Policy Advisory Team, corn sector chair, and USGC officer.
The Maryland Grain Producers is honored to have Chip on their team!
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Maryland Grain Producers Utilization Board was established in 1991 to administer the Maryland Grain Checkoff Program. Grain Producers in Maryland voted to institute this voluntary checkoff program, which is funded by participating growers donating 0.5% of each Maryland bushel sold. With this funding, the board can fulfill its mission to increase the profitability of Maryland grain production and to improve public understanding of agriculture through promotion, education, and research.
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