Last week, our team participated in the GrainCom 2024 conference, an event that brought together thought leaders and industry experts to discuss the future of global agriculture and grain markets.

The conference commenced with discussions on future investments and developments in world agriculture, emphasizing the importance of sustainable farming practices for a better future. Insights into the 2024/25 campaign for world grain and oilseeds provided a solid starting point, along with a detailed outlook for the EU and Black Sea regions. The conference featured a contrarian discussion, where experts debated the upcoming campaign, highlighting diverse perspectives from industry leaders Daniel Basse and Harm de Wilde.

The evolving landscape of bio-fuels was another key topic, focusing on how changes in EU and US biodiesel policies are affecting global oilseed and vegetable oil markets. Additionally, the conference addressed food security and resilience, discussing grain storage, market fluctuations, climate change and force-majeure risks.

A major focus was on the challenges posed by market disruptions, such as geopolitical instability, sanctions, and the rapidly changing risk environment, alongside the opportunities and pitfalls associated with industry digitalization. The role of AI and data technology in revolutionizing agriculture trading is increasing daily, showcasing the potential for innovation in this and adjacent business sectors.

Participation in GrainCom 2024 is only one step in our continuous effort to enhance market intelligence, which is key to providing our customers with reliable trade finance solutions throughout the supply chain, especially in a volatile environment. Stay tuned!