First Ever Virtual Summer Meeting Hits the High Notes

USDBC wrapped up its annual summer meeting that should have taken place together with the US Dry Bean Convention in Nashville, TN but instead took place on Zoom. Participation was high and discussion was lively and productive as USDBC unveiled several plans for the coming months and year ahead capitalizing on the popularity of, and interest in dry beans. Some of the meeting highlights:

-Several MOUs will be signed in the coming months with global food and nutritional initiatives looking to collaborate on greater use of dry beans and bean ingredients for nutrition and well being in food insecure nations.

-Trade team delegates have been chosen for 2021 travel opportunities but things will be in flux for some opportunities until the dates get closer due to COVID concerns. We will be reaching out to delegates shortly.

-USDBC will look to engage in a new social media campaign and will work to develop an RFP.

-A DC Congressional fly in is planned for sometime in early spring 2021.

-A presentation from new partners in Innovation, CIA Consulting (Culinary Institute of America) reviewed the approach to begin the work of developing new bean ingredient formulations.

-Planning for the inaugural global dry bean buyers’ event, BeanCon21 is on track for March 2021, a back up plan should the event need to go virtual, is under review.

This has been an extremely busy and exciting time for USDBC and the dry bean industry. The summer meeting helped define priorities for the remainder of 2020 and outline several important new initiatives for 2021 and beyond.