IGC Chairperson for 2023/24
Anita Katial is the Agricultural Counselor for the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland, Foreign Agricultural Service at the U.S. Embassy in London. She was appointed IGC Chairperson for 2023/24.
Over the past twenty-five years, Anita’s diplomatic assignments encompassed dynamic environments with responsibilities that included designing and implementing food assistance and capacity-building programs in Russia, Indonesia, Egypt, and the Balkans. She worked with host nation financial institutions to enable nearly $1 billion in export credit guarantee programs, helping farmers access credit to enhance their purchases of inputs. Over the years, Anita led teams in gathering critical market data and analysis for reporting on global agricultural trade impacts of the Russia – Ukraine war and during times of civil unrest in the Middle East and Central America while furthering USG agricultural policy goals. In addition, she closely partners with U.S. industry groups and importers to promote U.S. agriculture, opening doors for U.S. food and beverage products worldwide.
Anita Katial earned her Bachelor’s degree in International Finance from Loyola University of Chicago. She attended the Institute of World Politics in Washington, DC, for Graduate studies in International Affairs and National Security Studies.
Session 2 Identifying Regional Challenges for Grain Traders 10.00 - 11.00
Maize 09.30 - 10.30
Secretary General, COCERAL
Iliana Axiotiades is currently the Secretary General of COCERAL, which represents European traders in agri-commodities and agrosupply, and Unistock, the European association of portside storekeepers of agri-bulk commodities.
She also acts as a Senior Advisor for Euromalt, the European trade association for the malting industry, and is Vice-President of the IGTC – the International Grain Trade Coalition, which brings together grain trade associations on all continents across the globe.
Iliana has spent most of her career in the agri-food industry, as a consultant, at the helm of the European starch industry association, and in Cargill, where she was Director of Government Relations, then Director in Business Developoment. She also led Johnson Controls’ European Government & Trade Relations Department, where she worked with the Power Solutions, Automotive and Building Efficiency businesses to promote energy efficiency policies. She was, at the time, the company Lead for the Transatlantic Trade & Investment Partnership (TTIP) negotiations.
Session 4
BREAKFAST SESSION 08.30 - 09.30
Assistant Deputy Minister & CIO, Information Systems Branch, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Vidya ShankarNarayan is the Assistant Deputy Minister, Information Systems Branch at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. She is a forward-thinking and creative leader implementing the Digital and Data strategy to advance the growth, sustainability and competitiveness of the agriculture and agri-food sector. She plays an active leadership role in championing innovation within the agriculture sector, the Government of Canada and with international associations such as the OECD.
Over the past 25+ years, Vidya has held multiple positions in both the private and public sectors, where she encouraged experimentation and horizontal collaboration to identify new and innovative ideas, and led multiple high-profile transformation initiatives related to service delivery, digital technologies and modernization. Previously, Vidya worked at Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Employment and Social Development Canada, where she passionately focused on the digital and data economy, and service delivery, with a vision of designing and implementing simpler, efficient and human-centric services. She has also held executive positions at the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat and Global Affairs Canada, and in the private sector at Nortel Networks and Tata Consulting Engineers. She holds a Masters degree in Architecture, specializing in Design and Technology from Carleton University.
Vidya is an active community member, participating on various boards including the World Economic Forum and the Global Blockchain Congress. She is regularly invited to national and international events to express her fresh and avant-guard perspectives on the Digital and Data economy.
In her spare time, Vidya practices yoga and is a champion for diversity and inclusion of under-represented groups.
Session 3 11.30 - 12.30
President of COCERAL
Ted Swinkels has been the President of COCERAL, the European association of trade in cereals, oilseeds, rice, pulses, olive oil, oils and fats, animal feed and agrosupply since June 2023. He is also the Managing Director of Cefetra, a global supplier of agricultural ingredients to the animal nutrition, food ingredient and energy industries based in Rotterdam. He has worked for 22 years for Cefetra, after many years in trading he has spent the last 7 years in a managerial role within Cefetra.
Session 4 14.00 - 15.00
Head of Commercial, Covantis
Sorin Albeanu has been spending the last 15 years in roles responsible for the business growth of platforms and electronic networks used for energy and commodities trading. With previous experience in electricity, gas and oil markets Sorin has joined Covantis 4 years ago at its inception and is looking after Covantis business growth and platform adoption across agri markets globally.
Head of Crop Science Digital Strategy & Crop Protection Innovation Lab, Bayer Crop Science
Stefan (Tobias) Tempel throughout his 21 years with Bayer focused on transformation. Rooted in his passion for people, agriculture and technology Stefan constantly strives to synthetize the capabilities and ideas of teams and individuals with new technologies to solve problems for growers.
Starting at Bayer with a background in Finance, Stefan Tempel early on in his career experienced the privilege to engage with various smallholder farmers in Asia. Appreciating the significant benefits that modern technologies could bring to farmer communities he transitioned to operational commercial roles in Asia before focusing globally on organizational enablement and redeployment of resources towards maximizing farmer value.
In his current role as the Crop Science Head of Digital Strategy & Crop Protection Innovation Lab, his team focuses on orchestrating digital and physical capabilities in connection with partners to drive future solutions for farmers. At the same time Stefan is honored to lead a team of young, creative, and passionate digital natives who develop novel grower solutions through the combination of IOTs, agronomic capacity, software solutions and physical components.
“Working every day with so passionate people, new technologies and growers striving for Hunger for None is incredibly thrilling and energizing”.
Director of Investment and International Development Analysis, Global Affairs Canada
Mélanie Raymond has been leading research on Foreign Direct Investment and International Development issues since 2018. Prior to this role, she worked on a variety of issues within the Government of Canada, including at the Privy Council Office, advising senior officials on key strategic files such as attracting foreign direct investment in the Canadian automotive industry. She holds a Ph.D. in Agricultural and Natural Resources Economics from the University of California at Berkeley.
Session 5 15.00 - 16.00
Chairman, Indian Chamber of Food and Agriculture
Widely acclaimed for his transformational role in food and agriculture sector worldwide tlhrough business projects, program innovations and policy interventions, Dr. MJ Khan is the Chairman, Indian Chamber of Food and Agriculture, President of International Agriculture Consulting Group and Vice Chairman of World Agriculture Forum. He is also the Founder of Agriculture Today Group and All India Farmers Alliance, a body of 40 plus large farmers organisations. Dr. Khan has been equally active on social and political fronts, having been ordinary member of various political parties from 1991-2015. Born in a village in Lakhimpur (UP), Dr. Khan obtained his graduation in agriculture from Meerut University, Meerut, MBA from AMU Aligarh and Ph.D from Prescott, UK. He has travelled over 60 counties around the world, mostly as the guest of the host country governments. Dr. Khan is also Board Member, APEDA, Ministry of Commerce and Member of NFCH, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. The social initiatives and political exposure and vast global travel has provided Dr. Khan with enormous learning to social and political realities and understanding of geopolitical dynamics on one hand and the issues and workable solutions to bring about a positive change in the condition of the community on the other hand.
Head of international affairs and market access, Paraguayan Grains and Oilseeds Traders Association (CAPECO)
She is currently head of international affairs and market access at the Paraguayan Grains and Oilseeds traders’ association (CAPECO), President at Single Window Consortium (CONVUE) and member of the Paraguayan Product Exchange Commission.
She Has more than 20 years’ experience in policy-making for market access, free trade and environment agreements at national and international level.
She Deeply involved with negotiations of the Convention on Biological Diversity, Cartagena Protocol, Climate Change and other MERCOSUR bilateral trade agreements participating in the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee.
She Participates at international associations such as the International Soybean Growers Alliance (ISGA), International Grain Trade Coalition (IGTC), International Oilseed Producers Dialogue (IOPD) and the Latin American Business Forum at FAO.
She Among other positions, she has been National Coordinator at Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) - Project "Support for international trade liberalization and integration Process".
President of the Ukrainian Grain Association
Mykola Gorbachov has more than 30 years of experience in the agricultural market of Ukraine. In February 2017, he was elected as the President of Ukrainian Grain Association (UGA) and in 2021 was re-elected for a second term. He previously co-chaired the Grains and Oilseeds Committee of the European Business Association (EBA).
He also holds the position of Director in the trading company in Ukraine.
Wheat 11.00 - 12.00
Senior Economist, International Grains Council
Alexander joined the IGC as an Economist in January 2016. While he is involved in most of the organisation’s activities, his major focus until recently has been on the global maize market, grains use for ethanol and ocean freight of grains and oilseeds. He has been covering the markets for wheat, durum and wheat products since December 2021. Prior to joining the IGC, Alexander spent almost a decade in consulting and investment banking spheres in Moscow, as well as trade-related diplomatic service in London.
Meteorologist, Aura Commodities Ltd
Tom Whittaker is head of Weather at Aura Commodities based in London. He leads a team that provides regular in-depth analysis and commentary on weather disruption risk across agricultural commodities to a variety of market participants. Tom expertise is on translating the impact of short, medium, and long-term weather/climate patterns and events on agricultural production. He holds a MSc in Applied Meteorology from the University of Reading.
Head of Corn, Copenhagen Merchants
Marc Myllerup is working as head of corn in Copenhagen Merchants, with a specialized focus on corn flows to Europe, the Middle East, and recent expansions into China and Saudi Arabia. Beginning his career facilitating grain trades to Scandinavia, the ARAG region, and the UK from the Baltic Sea, Marc has since developed a notable expertise in global grain and freight market dynamics. Holding a double master's degree in Risk Management and International Business, Marc is particularly passionate about the burgeoning role of the Middle Eastern market in global trade. Marc combines in-depth knowledge and strategic insight to drive forward the international commodity trade.
Chair, Agricultural Market Information System (AMIS)
Dr Seth Meyer, Chair of Agricultural Market Information System (AMIS), Chief Economist, USDA
Dr. Seth Meyer was appointed USDA’s Chief Economist in January of 2021, returning to USDA after two years. Prior to his return, Seth was a Research Professor and the Associate Director for the Food and Agricultural Policy Research Institute (FAPRI) at the University of Missouri. FAPRI is well known for its agricultural policy and market analysis, being called on by Congress and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for its insight into commodity production, price, farm income and trade impacts from various agricultural policies including Farm Bill proposals, trade agreements and disruptions, and crop insurance.
Dr. Meyer was previously the head of the World Agricultural Outlook Board (WAOB) in the Office of the Chief Economist (OCE), the agency at USDA charged with bringing together USDA resources in the assessment of crops around the world. The OCE also publishes those finding in the ‘WASDE’ report which is closely watched by agricultural markets here and abroad.
Previously, Dr. Meyer served as an economist with the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) of the United Nations and as a visiting scholar at several research institutions around the world. Dr. Meyer grew up in eastern Iowa and has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree from Iowa State University and a Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics from the University of Missouri.
Soyabeans 14.00 - 15.00
Owner, Black Silo Commodity Consulting Ltd/Fryers Reports
Dr. Rory Deverell is a Commodity consultant and owner of Black Silo Commodity Consulting Ltd. A boutique commodity research company. Rory also produces and distributes the Fryers Reports, a daily global cash market report. The Fryers Reports are distributed to 37 different countries to commercial grain trading companies.
Executive Director, Market Access and Strategy, U.S. Soybean Export Council
Rosalind (Roz) Leeck is the Executive Director for Market Access and Strategy and Northeast Asia Regional Director at the U.S. Soybean Export Council. She is responsible for worldwide activities, monitoring and addressing trade barriers and other market access issues that impact the U.S.’s ability to export soy and soy products. She is also the Regional Director for Northeast Asia responsible for Korea and Japan.
Manager Global Oils and Biofuels Analysis Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM)
In his role Jakob is responsible for global supply and demand analysis of vegetable oils and biofuels and works closely together with colleagues across various countries.
Previously, Jakob was responsible for global grains analysis within ADM. From 2014 – 2015, Jakob was seconded by the German Agricultural Ministry to the FAO to contribute to the Agricultural Market Information System (AMIS).
Previously, Jakob worked in various departments of Toepfer International.
Jakob has an education as a farmer and holds a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Agricultural Economics from the University of Göttingen.
Head of Agri Commodities Markets, Rabobank
Carlos Mera heads Rabobank’s Agri Commodity Market Research team (ACMR) out of London. He joined Rabobank in 2015, having spent over seven years at a large physical commodity trading house. Carlos has visited over a thousand farms in several countries and is an experienced crop forecaster.
Carlos supervises Rabobank’s global S/D estimates of several agri commodities, forecasts prices and carries specific research projects like crop and stock surveys. Carlos’ research assists Rabobank’s extensive commodity client base, that extends from farmers and cooperatives to traders, food processors and supermarkets. He and his team support Rabobank rural, trade and large corporate lending, commodity sales and trading, M&A and stock finance, among other relevant services for the food & agri industry.
BSc Economics from University of Buenos Aires; MSc Finance from the London School of Economics and Political Science.
Session 1 Dialogue between importers and exporters 09.00 - 10.00
Session 5 Productivity and sustainability 15.00 - 16.00
Vice President, International Government and Industry Affairs, Corteva
In this role Eric Dereudre supervises the Government and Industry Affairs teams in regions outside of America, and leads external engagement with multilateral policy stakeholders.
Eric started his career in 1995 in France and has decades of experience in the agro-industry, with various managerial positions serving ag markets in Europe, Africa and globally.
Before joining the External Affairs function in 2020, he spent 25 years in commercial roles at Corteva and heritage company Dow AgroSciences. His last role in business management was Commercial Unit Leader for Northern Europe. This unit includes the seeds and crop-protection activities in France, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Benelux, Denmark, Scandinavia and the Baltic countries.
During five years at the Dow Headquarters in Indianapolis, USA, 2010-2015, he took on a product management role and became Global Business Director for crop protection portfolios including the Enlist system and chemical assets.
In Europe, he served from 2016 to 2020 as President of the European Crop Protection Association (ECPA), the trade association bringing together 23 crop protection companies in the region. Other roles include a voluntary position as Foreign Trade Advisor for the French External Affairs Ministry until 2020, president of the Indianapolis French language school Alliance Française from 2013-2014 and board member of Club Demeter, a French agricultural think-tank.
Eric graduated from the Ecole Nationale Supérieure d'Agronomie (ENSA) in Rennes, France, he also holds an MBA (Master of Business Administration) from the University of Northwood in Michigan, USA. Thanks to his education and personal links with the agricultural sector – including family farming operations in the North of France – Eric has an in-depth knowledge of agriculture. His experience and professional background have further strengthened his global vision of agricultural issues. Through involvement in professional associations and volunteering activities, Eric has put his knowledge and convictions at the service of a modern, competitive and sustainable European agriculture, by combining economical, societal and food-supply needs with agronomic constraints and realities.
Director for Markets and acting Deputy Director-General for Markets and International, DG Agriculture and Rural Development, European Commission
Pierre Bascou is currently Director for Markets and acting Deputy Director-General for Markets and International in the Directorate General for Agriculture and Rural Development of the European Commission. In these roles, Pierre oversees the promotion and expansion of Europe’s trade in agriculture and food and the strengthening of the European Union’s international cooperation to improve food security and the sustainability of the EU agricultural policy. Pierre is also responsible for promoting the competitiveness, resilience and diversity of the agricultural sector in the EU to ensure the long-term food security as part of a sustainable food system.
Doctor in Agricultural Economics (1989; Imperial College of London, UK) and agronomic engineer (1986; ESA Toulouse, FR), Pierre spent most of his career working for the European Commission in the Directorate General for Agriculture and Rural Development (DG AGRI).
Before being appointed as Director for Markets in 2022 and acting Director-General for International and Markets in 2023, Pierre was previously Director in charge of sustainability (DG AGRI; 2014 to 2022). Between 2010 and 2014 he was Head of the Unit responsible for Agricultural Policy Analysis and Perspectives. From 2003 until 2009 Pierre was heading the Unit in charge of the economic analysis of EU agriculture for the conception, the management and the evaluation of the Common Agricultural Policy.
Digitalisation of the grains and oilseeds sector 14.00 - 15.00
VP Business Development & Growth, Windward Marine Risk (UK) Ltd
Global Head of Partnerships, Growers Engagement and Agrichain Activation, Bayer Crop Science
Jennifer Crall is the Global Head of Partnerships - Growers Engagement & AgriChain Activation at Bayer Crop Science. She and her team are responsible for deepening Bayer’s work with global growers’ networks, the next generation of ag leaders, grain traders and the feed sector to drive the transformation of sustainable agriculture. Before coming to Bayer, Jennifer led the Public Affairs unit for a family-owned pork producer. Prior to that, she worked for nine years at the International Republican Institute, designing and evaluating assistance programs and empowering local actors around the globe to engage their governments with posts in Afghanistan, Libya and Iraq, as well as the headquarters in Washington, DC. Jennifer has also worked as a special assistant at the United States Department of State, managed a congressional race, served as deputy chief of staff to a Member of Congress, and worked on a presidential primary campaign. She holds an MBA from the University of Iowa and an undergraduate degree from Iowa State University.
South Asia Focus 15.00 - 16.00
Economic Advisor, IMC Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Session 3 Trade finance and economic outlook 11.30 - 12.30
CEO, Unigrains
Session 6 Regional focus on Central Asian trade development 16.30 - 18.00
Member of the Board, Minister in charge of Industry and Agroindustrial Complex, Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC)
Born in the city of Yerevan (the Republic of Armenia). She graduated with honors from the Faculty of International Relations of the Yerevan State University, with the Bachelor's degree in International Relations (2007) and the Master's degree in International Law (2009).
In 2011 she graduated from the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna (Austria).
From 2009 to 2014, she served in the Foreign Relations Department of the Office of the Government of the Republic of Armenia. She was in charge of coordinating the Armenian-Russian relations and was included in the Working Group on the accession of the Republic of Armenia to the Eurasian Economic Union. 2014 to 2015, she was Deputy Director of Foreign Relations Department of the Office of the Commissioner for Human Rights in the Republic of Armenia. 2015 to 2016, she worked as Adviser at the Ministry of International Economic Integration and Reforms of the Republic of Armenia, where she was in charge of coordinating the work on interaction between the Republic of Armenia and the EAEU. 2016 to 2017, she held the position of Assistant to the Vice-Prime Minister, Minister of International Economic Integration and Reforms of the Republic of Armenia. She was National Coordinator of the Republic of Armenia on the EAEU issues. 2017 to 2020, she was Deputy Director of Integration Development Department of the Eurasian Economic Commission. From 2020 to 2024, she was Director of the EEC Integration Development Department.
Since February 1, 2024, by the decision of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council, Gohar Barseghyan was appointed Member of the Board – Minister in charge of Industry and Agriculture of the Eurasian Economic Commission.
Expert on agriculture and logistics for Central Asia, CCO, Kemilane Agro, Uzbekistan
Since 2016, Alisher has been actively involved in the markets for oilseeds, oils/fat products, grains, and grain flour, identifying business opportunities for traders, processors, logistics companies, and suppliers of machinery, agrochemicals, and seeds. In pursuit of this goal, he organizes international conferences that bring together key players in the grain and oilseeds markets at one of the leading business platforms in the Central Asian region. In 2022, he assumed the role of Commercial Director at Kemiline Agro Group of Companies, focusing on the development and promotion of chemical products within the food industry and agricultural sector. Additionally, he serves as an advisor to the Chairman of the Board of the Uzyogmoysanoat Association, the Oil and Fat Association of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Prior to this, he led the Trade House established by the governments of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan to promote bilateral trade. His professional background also includes experience in the logistics sector at KTZ Express JSC, a subsidiary of Kazakhstan Temir Zholy Holding – Kazakh Railways. Previously, Alisher spent a decade as the Head of Certification at SGS Central Asia in Switzerland.
Managing Partner, Aitas Agro LLP, Kazakhstan, Head of Production Committee, Grain Union of Kazakhstan
Talgat boasts over 20 years of experience in agriculture within the Central Asia region. Throughout his career, he has held prominent management roles at Syngenta in Central Asia. Talgat is a co-founder and CEO of one of Kazakhstan's ambitious and dynamic agricultural holdings. The company group encompasses four farms situated across different regions of Kazakhstan, collectively possessing a total land bank exceeding 35 thousand hectares of arable land. Additionally, the company maintains a commercial team facilitating a turnover of more than 350 thousand tons of agricultural commodities annually, exporting to Central Asia, Afghanistan, and the Middle East.
Director of Monitoring and Prediction Department China National Grain & Oils Information Center (CNGOIC)
LI Shengjun earned his Doctor’s degree in agricultural economic management from Renmin University, China. He has been engaged in the research of China’s grain market for more than ten years. He has participated in the relevant research projects of the National Food and Strategic Reserve Administration and so on. He and his team are mainly responsible for monitoring and prediction of the supply and demand situation, price trends and long-term trends of the domestic grain market, guiding market expectations and serving macro- regulation.
Partner Director, Alphamar Shipping Agency
Arthur Neto is a Partner at Alphamar Shipping Agency, the leading company for grains export in Brazil. With 20 years’ experience in this market, he currently oversees Alphamar’s Research and Market, developing new tools, statistics, reports and consultancy material for grain and fertilizer players. He is also a logistics consultant for grain origination in Brazil, using geolocation tools as a key feature to summarize new projects and market trends. Arthur Neto holds an MBA in agribusiness at USP/ ESALQ and an International Certification from Erasmus University in Waterway Transportation and Multimodal Logistics.
Principal Group Program Manager, Consumer Goods & Agriculture development, Microsoft
Siegfried Leiner is Principal Group Program Manager leading Consumer Goods & Agriculture development in the Industry Clouds + Solutions division at Microsoft. He joined Microsoft in 2015 and has been driving multiple Data & AI related platform projects and strategic customer engagements. With over 30 years of experience in the IT industry, Siegfried brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his role. He holds degrees in Theoretical Physics and Mathematics. Siegfried currently resides in Karlsruhe, Germany with his family.
Secretary General, International Association Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (Middle Corridor)
Gaidar has served as the General Secretary of the Association of Legal Entities “IA “TITR” since October 2021. With extensive experience in drafting agreements related to international transportation of passengers and cargo, as well as in the development of international transport links, he has also been involved in scientific and technical cooperation with railway transport authorities of foreign countries and legal entities. Additionally, Gaidar has successfully managed the Representative Offices of JSC “NC "KTZ” in the CIS, the Caucasus, and the Baltics. Furthermore, he is the author of more than 15 scientific papers and has co-authored the textbook "Logistics Management of Freight Transportation and Terminal and Warehouse Activities”.
President and CEO of CropLife International
Emily Rees is the President and CEO of CropLife International, a role she has held since March 2023. As global advocate of the plant science industry, CropLife International champions innovative technologies that enable farmers to sustainably increase productivity while managing the critical challenges facing our climate and the environment. Spearheading the association’s three pillars of ambition to bring workable solutions to increase food security, tackle climate change and protect biodiversity, Emily leads the organization in its regulatory and policy-driven dialogues. Through advancing science-based approaches to regulation, and fair and equitable global trading rules, Emily helps bring together diverse partners with cutting-edge research and development to effect positive change. Emily joined CropLife International with an extensive pedigree in EU affairs and economic diplomacy. Prior to joining CropLife International, she held posts as a Senior Fellow at the European Centre for International Political Economy, and Managing Director of Trade Strategies, a consultancy specialized in international trade policy. A specialist in EU-Latin American relations, she is fluent in English, French and Portuguese.
Counsellor, Agriculture and Commodities Division, World Trade Organization
Pulses Will growth in global demand be sustained? 12.00 - 13.00
Director, Quality & Processing, Pulse Canada
Janelle Carlin is the Director of Quality and Processing at Pulse Canada, responsible for providing technical support to industry stakeholders and identifying research needs that align with national strategic priorities for market diversification. Janelle holds a MSc in Food Science from the University of Manitoba and is actively engaged as a project lead and/or collaborating partner on several research projects that develop foundational knowledge in the areas of pulse seed quality, analytical methods, milling, fractionation, ingredient functionality, and end-use performance.
Market Analyst, International Grains Council
Senior Analyst, Areté s.r.l. – The Agri-food Intelligence Company
Economist, Ph.D. in Law and Economics at University of Rotterdam, Hamburg and Bologna, expert in quantitative analysis, applied statistics and economics, econometrics. Since 2016 his main fields of activity include conducting market analysis and price forecasting for agricultural and agribusiness commodities aiming at providing agro-industrial markets operators with tools for understanding markets in a dynamic perspective (past, present and future trends) and for risk management in raw materials purchase and in product placement on relevant markets.
President, International Grain Trade Coalition Association (IGTC)
Alejandra Castillo is the President & CEO of the North American Export Grain Association (NAEGA). A senior executive with over 15 years’ experience in global trade with expertise in trade execution, stakeholder management and trade policy. Alejandra worked at the U.S. Grains Council in D.C., Singapore, and India. Most recently, she opened the Council’s newest office in India, where she served as the Regional Director for South Asia. In that capacity, Alejandra set up the strategy to evaluate and implement the Council’s market development programs in the region which included India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Nepal.
Alejandra also serves as volunteer President of the International Grain Trade Coalition (IGTC). Since 2019, Alejandra has supported the IGTC Working Group on Electronic Trading Documentation. In that role, she served as one of the co-chairs for the Industry Advisory Group (IAG) and the IAG representative for the CPM Focus Group on Sustainable Funding for the IPPC ePhyto Solution Project.
Prior to the Council, Alejandra worked in trade execution with Cargill focused on trade risk management as well as vessel and container logistics for cotton, grains and oilseeds. She also gained experience as an international freight forwarder prior to entering trade execution. Before joining Cargill, she worked as a project manager for the Mayo Clinic and an associate director of admissions for St. Catherine University.
Alejandra is a native of Nicaragua and earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and a master’s degree in strategic management and organizational leadership, both from St. Catherine University, in St. Paul, Minnesota.
CEO, Grain Trade Australia
Pat is the CEO of Grain Trade Australia, which is the leading trade organisation in the Australian grains industry.
Pat has vast industry experience in trading, risk management, policy and government relations, having spent more than 25 years in the grains industry in Australia and USA. He has a diverse experience across the entire value chain, working for trade houses, financial institutions and customer advisory businesses.
He currently serves as Secretary & Vice President of the International Grain Trade Coalition (IGTC).
Global Head of Proteins Business Line, Roquette
Romain Joly has been part of Roquette for 11 years, global leader in plant proteins and starch-derivatives for Pharma, Food and Industrial applications. He held several roles as project management expert, PMO and Executives General Coordinator, then Head of Customer Innovation, followed by Global Head of Marketing, PLM & Digital in Roquette’s subsidiary dedicated to Caramels: Sethness Roquette. He currently oversees Roquette’s alternative proteins business line that includes Pea and all potential new protein sources. Roquette is the global leader in pea proteins with 3 plants in 2 different continents serving a wide range of Food industries from meat-analogs to dairy alternatives and baking applications. Romain holds an Engineering and Entrepreneur degree from Iteem in France (joint-venture of Ecole Centrale de Lille and Skema Business School), as well as a Master of Science in Project and Programme Management from Skema Business School. He also holds several certifications in Project & Programme Management.
Additional Managing Director, National Agriculture Farmers Marketing Federation (NAFED), India
Mr. Sunil Kumar Singh serves as the Additional Managing Director of the National Agriculture Farmers Marketing Federation (NAFED), an esteemed autonomous National Cooperative Marketing Federation under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Government of India. In this role, he shoulders significant responsibilities including the procurement of Pulses and Oilseeds at Minimum Support Price and the management of the National Buffer Stock of Pulses under the Department of Consumer Affairs, Government of India.
With over two decades of rich experience in the commodity market, particularly in Pulses, Mr. Singh has been a driving force in the formulation of Government of India’s schemes pertaining to procurement, storage, and distribution of Pulses. His visionary initiatives have led to the establishment of the maiden creation of buffer stocking of Pulses and distribution at affordable prices in various Welfare Schemes of both the Government of India and State Governments, thereby catering to the nutritional requirements of targeted consumers.
Mr. Sunil Kumar Singh's unwavering dedication and strategic acumen have significantly contributed to the advancement of India's agriculture industry policies. His recent accolade at The South Asia Agri Summit 2024 Award for Outstanding Contribution to Food Security in India stands as a testament to his exceptional leadership and accomplishments. He was the driving force behind the success of Pulse 24 Convention organised by GPC in association with Nafed at New Delhi in February, 2024. Under his adept guidance and leadership, NAFED has achieved remarkable milestones, including the procurement of 14.65 million metric tons of Pulses and Oilseeds from 7.3 million farmers in last five years.
Mr. Singh's commitment to enhancing food security and uplifting the livelihoods of farmers across India underscores his invaluable role in shaping the nation's agricultural landscape. His profound expertise and relentless efforts continue to propel NAFED towards greater heights, fostering sustainable growth and prosperity in the agriculture sector.
Head of Dry Bulk Research, Howe Robinson Partners
Bilal Muftuoglu is the head of dry bulk research at Howe Robinson Partners. He manages a team that provides regular updates on global seaborne trade flows and supply of bulker carriers from a shipbroker perspective alongside projections on dry bulk supply and demand. His prior work experience includes over five years of commodity market analysis, including on grains and oilseeds. Bilal holds a Bachelor and Cum Laude Master’s Degree in Political Science and International Relations from SciencesPo Paris.
Trade and Investment Minister, Pakistan High Commission
Shafiq A. Shahzad is the Trade and Investment Minister, at the Pakistan High Commission, London since January 2020. He looks after Pakistan’s trade and investment relations with the United Kingdom. Before this assignment, he was serving as the Joint Secretary, Foreign Trade Wing of the Ministry of Commerce, and was looking after Pakistan’s trade relation with the Far East, South Asia, and Oceania. He was Pakistan’s lead negotiator for the Second Phase of the Pakistan- China FTA which was concluded in 2019 and in force from January 2020. He also led talks for the rectification of the Pak-Indonesia Free Trade Agreement. His other accomplishments include revision of Indonesia-Pakistan PTA, conclusion of the South Asia Free Trade Agreement (SAFTA) and Pakistan Sri Lanka FTA. He completed his master’s degree and Post-Graduation in International Economic and Development from the Australian National University, Canberra. Besides, he completed one year program in Managing Global Governance from the German Development Institute, (GDI) Bonn, Germany and a diploma in Trade Policy from the WTO Secretariat, Geneva.
US-Bangladesh Business Council, U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Sidhanta Mehra is the Executive Director for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s U.S.-Bangladesh Business Council as well as the Senior Director for U.S.-India Business Council’s Energy, Environment and Infrastructure vertical. In this expanded role across South Asia, Mehra is responsible for advancing policy transparency and business reforms, creating an open channel of engagement between the private sector and public sector leadership, and provide strategic advisory and market insights to the private sector. On South Asia, Mehra has executed various long, medium and short-term advocacy campaigns on energy, digital economy and financial services issues. He has also facilitated and led high-level delegations to Bangladesh and India featuring meeting with heads of government, cabinet officials, senior sectoral leaders, subnational officials as well as local businesses, associations, and relevant stakeholders across research, academic and think tank communities.
Sidhanta Mehra is the Executive Director for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s U.S.-Previously, Mehra led the U.S.-India Business Council’s City and State Engagement program, which seeks to enhance and deepen avenues for subnational engagement across India and the United States. In this capacity, he focused on building strategic partnerships with state governments, business groups and subnational trade and investment networks and has collaborated with state-level stakeholders to support visits by U.S. governors to India and Indian Chief Ministers to the United States.
Sidhanta Mehra is the Executive Director for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s U.S.-Mehra worked at the Washington, D.C.-based think tank Center for Strategic and International Studies, where his work with the Wadhwani Chair in U.S.-India Policy Studies focused on Indian domestic policy and the role of Indian states in setting policy and driving development. At CSIS, Mehra was also responsible for the administration of the U.S.-India State and Urban Initiative, a first-of-its-kind effort to build subnational partnerships for energy development in India and the United States.
Sidhanta Mehra is the Executive Director for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s U.S.-Mehra received a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations from the Pardee School of Global Studies at Boston University. He also leads the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s advocacy and engagement with the larger South Asia region including Nepal, Sri Lanka and Maldives.
Productivity and sustainability 15.00 - 16.00
Director of ESG Data and Research, FAIRR Initiative
Erika is the Director of ESG Research & Data at the FAIRR Initiative. She is responsible for the strategic development and delivery of FAIRR’s full suite of investor research tools, including the Protein Producer Index and Climate Risk Tool.
A statistician by training, Erika started her career in the U.S. as a market data analyst before moving to ESG research at an investment bank. In the U.K. before joining FAIRR in 2022, Erika led a research team advising FTSE100 businesses on ESG strategy and reporting requirements.
Erika is currently based in London but has lived and worked in Boston, New York, and Hong Kong. She holds a B.A. from the University of California at Berkeley and an M.A. from Harvard University, both in Statistics.
Senior Analyst Grains & Oilseeds, Rabobank
Vito Martielli has worked as Senior Grains and Oilseeds analyst for Rabobank at Rabo Research Food & Agribusiness department in the Netherlands since 2005. As a grains, oilseeds, meat and vegetable oils expert, Mr. Martielli has taken part in business trips and has been invited to speak at global conferences in Europe, Americas, Asia, Africa and Oceania. His job is mainly focused on the assessment of business risks for Rabobank and evaluating business opportunities for internal and external clients.
Before joining Rabobank he worked for the Agricultural office of the Dutch Embassy in Rome for bilateral relations in food and agribusiness sectors. He also advised the Italian Ministry of Agriculture for promotion and quality of the Italian food in the world market. Previously he was employed by McDonald’s Italy in Milan working in the marketing research and in business development.
He holds a degree in Business Administration from Bocconi University in Milan (Italy) and an International Ph.D. from the Faculty of Agriculture of University of Basilicata (Italy), in cooperation with Wageningen University (the Netherlands).
Executive Director, East African Grain Council (EAGC)
Gerald is the Executive Director of EAGC since 15th March 2011. He is the former Managing Director of Kenya Wines Agencies Limited (KWAL) and the Kenya Planters Cooperation Union (KPCU). He has also worked for British American Tobacco, New Kenya Cooperative Creameries (NKCC) and Acumen Business Consultants. Gerald holds a Master of Science Degree in Agricultural Economics –Marketing Major and a Bachelor of Arts Degree both from Egerton University, Kenya.
President Argentine Edible Oil Association Grain Exporters Association (CIARA-CEC)
CIARA-CEC Associations represents exporters and crushing industry reaching 48% of national exports and 30 billion u$d trade on annual basis.
Gustavo Idigoras has a degree on political sciences and a master degree on international affairs and business and a PhD in Agricultural Business Administration. He used to work as Public Affair manager for MONSANTO as well as he was Director of Business Issue Management (A Consultant group on agribusiness and bioenergies in Argentina) working for different chambers and companies related to food business and biofuels.
He is also International Consultant working for WTO, IDB and FAO on SPS and agriculture trade including sustainability.
He was government negotiator for 18 years on market access negotiations at WTO, MERCOSUR, FTAs, CODEX, OIE, IPPC, IGC, OECD as well as he served as Argentine Agricultural Minister at European Union, based in Belgium, for 5 years.
Session 1 09.00 - 10.00
Chairperson, Committee on Agriculture, WTO
Kjetil Tysdal works as a counsellor at the Norwegian Permanent Representation to the WTO and has served as the Chair of the WTO Committee on Agriculture since June 2023. Tysdal was also the coordinator for the WTO Working Group on Food Security. Before coming to Geneva in 2020, he served as a counsellor at the Norwegian Mission to the EU in Brussels since 2016.
Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Algeria
Deputy Minister for Development of Economy, Trade and Agriculture of Ukraine, Trade Representative of Ukraine
Director of the Resource Security Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Japan
Ms Yasuko NISHIMURA currently serves as Director of Resource Security Division in the Economic Affairs Bureau of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan. Food security is one of the main pillars of her duties on resource diplomacy. Her office is responsible for international cooperation and partnerships on global food security including bilateral and multilateral efforts towards sustainable and resilient agricultural and food systems, and serves as the focal point for the FAO, the IGC and other multilateral food security fora.
Ms Nishimura has more than 20 years of experience in the diplomatic service in areas including development cooperation, economic diplomacy, trade and investment treaties negotiations, and non-proliferation, in bilateral, plurilateral and multilateral settings.
Deputy Minister for Agriculture and Forestry, Turkey
Director of supplies at the Tunisian Office of Cereals
Deputy Secretary for Trade and International Relations, Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, Brazil
Originally from Catanduva, in the State of São Paulo, Brazil, Júlio Ramos currently holds the position of Deputy Secretary at the Secretariat of Commerce and International Relations of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock of Brazil. With a degree in Legal and Social Sciences, he has a postgraduate qualification in Education and is pursuing an MBA in Strategic Project Management at Fia Business School. Additionally, he is certified by the Infrastructure and Projects Authority UK, having participated in the International Programme for Infrastructure Leaders. With over 10 years of experience in managing governmental structures, Júlio has held a legislative mandate and served in advisory and leadership roles in various public policy bodies.
He has worked as an Advisor to the Presidency of the Foundation for the Development of Education of São Paulo (FDE), Coordinator of Infrastructure and School Services for the Government of the State of São Paulo, and as Secretary General of Administration of the Legislative Assembly of the State of São Paulo, which is the largest state parliament in Latin America. In addition to his public sector experience, Júlio also has experience in the private sector, focusing on government and corporate affairs, institutional communication, and corporate sustainability. He is a member of the Board of Apex (Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency) and also of Cofig (Export Financing and Guarantee Committee).
Economist, International Grains Council
Director, Agrifood Economics Division, FAO
Dr. David Laborde, Director of the Agrifood Economics and Policy Division (ESA) at the Food and Agriculture Organization, leads economic research and policy analysis to enhance efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agrifood systems. His work supports better production, nutrition, environment, and life, ensuring that no one is left behind. His research areas cover food and agricultural policies, agribusiness, rural transformation, poverty, resilience, bioeconomy, and climate-smart agriculture.
Previously, Dr. Laborde was a Senior Research Fellow at the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), focusing on globalization, trade, protectionism measurement, and modelling for achieving Sustainable Development Goal 2. He has developed various models including MIRAGE and MIRAGRODEP for trade policy and environmental issues.
Invitation to day 2 breakfast session hosted by CropLife 18.00 - 18.15
Chair of CropLife International Board of Directors, President Agricultural Solutions BASF SE
Livio Tedeschi has been appointed President Agricultural Solutions in April 2022. Prior to that, he was Senior Vice President EMEA & CIS at BASF’s Agricultural Solutions division and is a member of the division’s Executive Management Team. In 2021, Livio was appointed as Chairman of CropLife Europe. Prior to these roles, Livio held several leadership positions at BASF Group, including as Vice President of Global Strategic Marketing Insecticides (Agricultural Solutions division); Director of Innovation Strategy (Corporate Strategy division); Head of Marketing (Chemical Intermediates division), Head of Marketing and Product Manager (Agricultural Solutions division) and Team Leader (Global Research).
Livio holds an Executive MBA from ESSEC Business School (France); a post-doctoral degree in Organic Chemistry from the Imperial College London (UK); a PhD in Organic Synthesis from RWTHAachen (Germany) as well as a Master of Science in Chemistry from La Sapienza University in Rome (Italy).
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