Tennessee Joins U.S. Soybean Export Council and U.S. Grains Council to Expand Markets

NASHVILLE — One of Tennessee’s leading agricultural commodities is getting a boost in global market access as the Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) joins the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) to expand domestic and international opportunities for soybean farmers and processors.

TDA is also a new member of the U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council (USGBC).

The memberships position Tennessee to play a more active role in developing export markets, building relationships with international buyers and advancing sustainable soybean and corn production. TDA will collaborate with industry partners to promote U.S. soybeans, soybean products, corn and grains around the world while supporting market growth that benefits Tennessee agriculture.

"Tennessee farmers produce high-quality crops that are in demand around the world," Agriculture Commissioner Andy Holt said. "Joining USSEC and USGBC ensures Tennessee has a seat at the table as markets are developed and strengthened. This investment supports our producers, processors and commodity organizations by helping connect Tennessee products with customers at home and abroad."

Tennessee's decision to join USSEC follows increased engagement with international soybean buyers. In fall 2025, the Tennessee Soybean Promotion Council hosted a delegation of international buyers, giving participants a firsthand look at Tennessee soybean production, sustainability practices and the state's transportation advantages along the Mississippi River.

"Tennessee's commitment to joining USSEC reflects a shared vision of building long-term demand for U.S. soybeans through collaboration, innovation and sustainability," Jim Sutter, CEO of the U.S. Soybean Export Council, said. "We welcome Tennessee as a partner in advancing market development and look forward to working together to create new opportunities for soybean growers and the entire value chain."

"Hosting international buyers in Tennessee gave them the opportunity to see firsthand the quality of our soybeans, the sustainability practices our farmers use and the advantages of our transportation network," Stefan Maupin, executive director of the Tennessee Soybean Promotion Council, said. "We're excited to see TDA join USSEC because it builds on those relationships and demonstrates Tennessee's commitment to expanding markets for our soybean industry."

TDA also works closely with Tennessee corn organizations and U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council initiatives that help expand international demand for feed grains and grain co-products produced by Tennessee farmers.

“For Tennessee corn farmers, stronger engagement in domestic and international market development means more opportunities for corn, ethanol and grain co-products, while helping ensure Tennessee producers remain competitive in a rapidly changing global marketplace,” Amy McNeil, executive director of Tennessee Corn, said.

"Export market development is built on relationships," Ryan LeGrand, USGBC president and CEO, said. "Tennessee's continued engagement with international customers demonstrates a commitment to creating opportunities for producers and strengthening agriculture through long-term partnerships."

By collaborating with partners across the agricultural sector, TDA continues its efforts to strengthen markets that support farm profitability, encourage investment in value-added processing and reinforce Tennessee's role in supplying agricultural products to customers around the globe.

About the U.S. Soybean Export Council: USSEC focuses on differentiating, elevating preference, and attaining market access for the use of U.S. Soy for human consumption, aquaculture and livestock feed in more than 90 countries internationally. USSEC members represent the soy supply chain, including U.S. Soy farmers, processors, commodity shippers, merchandisers, allied agribusinesses and agricultural organizations. USSEC is funded by the Soy Checkoff, USDA Foreign Agricultural Service matching funds and industry.

About the U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council: USGBC is a nonprofit organization that develops export markets for U.S. barley, corn, sorghum and related products, including ethanol and distillers dried grains with solubles. With nine international offices, representation in 30 countries and programs in more than 70 countries, USGBC works to expand global demand for U.S. grains and bio-products through partnerships that strengthen agricultural trade and support the long-term profitability of U.S. farmers.

Translation and interpretation services for this press release are available free of charge. Please contact Kim.Doddridge@tn.gov.