Raben Elected As MAIZALL Director Representing U.S. Grains Council

On Sept. 1, Jim Raben, a past U.S. Grains Council (USGC) chairman and grain farmer from Illinois, was elected by the Council’s board of directors as director for MAIZALL – the international maize alliance.

MAIZALL was established in 2013 by leaders from the Council, the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA), ABRAMILHO (Brazilian Association of Corn Producers) and MAIZAR (the Argentine corn and sorghum federation). Growers in all 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.

MAIZALL’s farmer directors advocate for these innovations through position papers and discussions with private sector stakeholders, national government officials and others from international organizations such as the European Union, the World Trade Organization and the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization. Additionally, MAIZALL directors often speak at international conferences where they can bring their practical farm experiences to the table.

“The Council is grateful for the commitment Jim Raben has made as he carries on the legacy of many U.S. Grains Council farmer leaders who have represented U.S. corn interests on the world stage,” said Josh Miller, USGC chairman. “Jim will continue advocating for crop breeding technologies, crop protection products and advanced farming practices that are needed to feed the growing world.”

Raben has been farming in Ridgway, Illinois, since 1973. Raben was born and raised on the grain and livestock farm and now maintains his operation with his brother Bill and his son Joseph. He has been a Council delegate for nine years and is a member of the Illinois Corn Marketing Board.