The goal of the mission was to give Ecuadorian buyers a full understanding of U.S. wheat—from research to fieldwork to export. Their visit included stops at university research centers, agronomy stations, grain elevators, and shuttle-loading facilities.
Ecuador’s wheat needs are rising fast. In 2024/25, the country increased imports of U.S. wheat to over 380,000 metric tons, up from just 600,000 metric tons in 2015. Most of this wheat is used for human food and animal feed, especially in the shrimp and poultry industries.
As Ecuador’s demand continues to grow, visits like this help strengthen trade and trust. One USW leader shared, “Personal connections between farmers and customers matter, whether it’s in the mill or in the field.”