From Paris to the Farm: Columbia Grain CEO Says Global Markets Are Critical to U.S. Pulse Growers
October 29, 2026
From international food exhibitions in Paris to major grain-buying markets across Asia, Columbia Grain International President and CEO Kurt Haarmann says maintaining strong global trade relationships is more important than ever for American farmers facing volatile commodity prices, rising transportation costs and geopolitical uncertainty.
Haarmann recently returned from France, where he attended the SIAL International Food Exhibition in Paris, one of the world's major gatherings of food manufacturers, buyers and suppliers.
Representing the U.S. pulse industry, Haarmann said the event provided an opportunity to strengthen relationships with international customers while promoting American-grown pulse crops.
“We were over in Paris at the SIAL food show, and it's one of these remarkable events that brings in food products and vendors from around the world,” Haarmann said.
“Of course, we're there representing USA pulses. I'm also on the board of directors of the Global Pulse Confederation, which is trying to drive pulse consumption internationally.”
Haarmann explained that events like SIAL bring together buyers and sellers who might otherwise be difficult to reach individually.
“We got a really good chance to visit with a lot of customers that would be difficult to see from around the world,” he said. “But they all kind of converge in one place.”
Those meetings allow industry representatives to discuss market conditions, challenges, new products and innovations that could help expand demand for pulse crops.
“We talk about markets, we talk about challenges, products, new innovations,” Haarmann said. “Really good time for everyone involved.”
Global Supplies Continue to Challenge U.S. Pulse Producers
While international demand remains essential to supporting domestic commodity prices, Haarmann acknowledged that American pulse producers continue to face difficult market conditions.
Among the challenges are changes to international food assistance programs, which historically provided an important source of demand for U.S.-grown pulses.
“One of the challenges for pulses in the United States was the changes in some of the food aid programs,” Haarmann explained. “That was a big consumptive demand that was just right in our backyard.”
At the same time, strong pulse production in competing countries has contributed to abundant global supplies, creating additional pressure on prices.
“The last two years, really, pulse crops internationally have been pretty good overall in terms of size,” Haarmann said. “Massive production last year, down a little bit this year, but still a lot of supplies around the planet.”
For U.S. farmers, those global supply conditions reinforce the importance of maintaining existing export relationships while continuing to develop new opportunities for American agricultural products.
Helping Farmers Navigate Volatile Markets
Despite the challenges, Haarmann says Columbia Grain International remains focused on connecting U.S. producers with international customers while continuing to invest in the infrastructure and services needed to support American agriculture.
With commodity markets experiencing significant price swings, Haarmann also emphasized the importance of helping farmers manage marketing risks and recognize opportunities when favorable prices develop.
One tool available to producers is Columbia Producer Solutions, the company's producer pricing platform designed to help growers navigate market volatility and take advantage of changing market conditions.
For Haarmann, the long-term outlook for American grain and pulse production remains closely tied to international trade, continued investment and the ability to adapt to an increasingly competitive global marketplace.
And while strong worldwide supplies, changing trade conditions and economic uncertainty continue to create challenges, he believes maintaining relationships with international buyers remains essential to supporting American farmers and the agricultural communities that depend on them.
Farmers interested in learning more about Columbia Producer Solutions and Columbia Grain International's marketing services can visit the company's website by clicking here.
Source: Western Ag Network
