USDBC WELCOMES SEVERAL NEW OVERSEAS REPRESENTATIVES IN 2019

As we continue to move into a new program year and prepare for the implementation of new Agricultural Trade Promotion (ATP) programming, we are excited to announce new talent coming on board to help expand our outreach in 2019 and beyond. We also thank Dario Bard for his service as the Regional Representative for the Americas region as he departs at the end of April, 2019.

Xu Fang

• Xu Fang has been named USDBC’s new contractor for China planting and production analysis and will also be keeping an eye on China’s potential to become a net dry bean importer.  Xu is currently president and CEO of WG Consulting Ltd., a Shanghai-based consulting firm specializing marketing and market access for various agricultural products and services. Prior to establishing WG Consulting in 2010, Xu held the position of chief representative of  American Forest & Paper Association China Office and was the main point of contact for the U.S. and Chinese government, industry and others on all aspects of AF&PA’s China program. He currently works with a number of US based state and agricultural promotion initiatives. Xu has a degree in Structural Engineering from Tongji University.

Thoric Cederstrom

• Thoric Cederstrom is  representing USDBC’s food assistance and food security initiatives as the new Food Aid Consultant. Based in Geneva, Switzerland, Thoric is an expert in SustainableAgriculture and Food Security primarily in complex environments that include conflict and post conflict situations. He has worked with numerous PVOs and with the World Food Programme (WFP). His doctorate is in anthropology and agricultural economics. We are very excited to have someone on board with the depth of knowledge, experience, and expertise that Thoric brings to this position.
  

  Alejandro Leloir

   

• Alejandro Leloir will be the new Regional Representative for the Americas. Alejandro is a native of Buenos Aires, Argentina with a degree in agronomy, currently residing in San Jose Costa Rica. He has most recently worked as an International Purchasing Manager for Pulses with Walmart Costa Rica. Alejandro is an Agricultural engineer and also spent two years working as Production Manager in Uruguay, responsible for 2500 hectares of agricultural production of corn, soybean and wheat. Alejandro will replace Dario Bard.
  

  Jose Barrios

• Jose Barrios joined USDBC as a public relations and program specialist specifically for new marketing activities in Colombia under the ATP program. He will be organizing at least five different marketing events throughout Colombia together with the Americas Representative and collaborating with the SaborUSA campaign in partnership with USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service, Bogota. Jose has degrees in marketing and advertising and an advanced degree in International Agribusiness as well as marketing and PR experience in Europe and throughout the Americas.
  Please join me in welcoming all of the new talent to the USDBC, we look forward to their contributions to our already strong global program in the next years. We anticipate additional contractors joining our team as we continue the on boarding process for our global ATP programs.