November 1, 2000

USDA and the Washington and Idaho Wheat Commissions will hold a workshop Nov. 30 in Spokane, WA, on exporting identity preserved and containerized grain. The workshop will address niche and emerging markets for IP grain, grain quality testing, government export programs, finance and collections, shippers' associations, logistics service providers, and leasing containers and equipment.

Mark Lyons, Milltek Services, Hong Kong, will be a featured speaker at the workshop. Lyons has a diverse background in the wheat industry, including expertise in wheat marketing and milling. His lengthy experience in the Asian markets enables him to provide first-hand information on the potential for container shipments to that part of the world.

For more information on the workshop or for information on container freight rates, contact Heidi Reichert, Shipper and Exporter Assistance, Transportation and Marketing Programs, Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA, Room 1217-S, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-0267; telephone (202) 690-2325; or e-mail heidi.reichert@usda.gov.