USA – The U.S. Global Leadership Coalition (USGLC) has partnered with Cargill, a global agribusiness conglomerate to advance conversations on global development and the critical role America’s ag economy can play in advancing U.S. interests around the globe.

Cargill has been named the Chair of USGLC’s Heartland Tour through 2020 which looks to promote the role of global economic engagement in uplifting local communities.

By engaging elected officials, community leaders, businesses, academics and non-profits, the tour aims to explore ways for America to stay competitive in the global marketplace, ensuring a level playing field for U.S. businesses.

“We are thrilled to welcome Cargill as our new Heartland Chair to bolster USGLC’s efforts to engage citizens across America’s heartland about why leading globally matters locally,” said USGLC President and CEO Liz Schrayer.

“Cargill is an innovative company that truly understands the importance of the world to local business, community, and farm leaders throughout the Midwest.

“That’s why they will join us in forums with policymakers on both sides of the aisle— just like those we have held from Scranton, PA to Kalamazoo, MI and beyond.

“A heartland company with deep international development roots, Cargill can both share inspiring stories and draw powerful, local connections, making the compelling case that our work overseas strengthens our economy and our national security.”

Set to begin in August 2019, the tour events intend to strengthen rural leadership voices and build a network of military, business, NGO, faith and community leaders as advocates for the local economic and security benefits of global engagement.

“The Midwest has long been the agricultural and manufacturing heart of America.

“As our Heartland states succeed, so does the U.S. and the world succeed,” said Devry Boughner Vorwerk, Cargill Vice President of corporate affairs.

“Cargill remains a steadfast advocate for open markets, allowing American farmers and farm communities to thrive as they feed the world’s families and boost their local economies.”

“USGLC shares this passion, engaging and educating policymakers on the tie between America’s leadership and global development.”

The U.S. Global Leadership Coalition is a broad-based network of 500 businesses and NGOs; national security and foreign policy experts; and business, faith-based, academic, military, and community leaders in all 50 states who support investments to elevate development and diplomacy alongside defence in order to build a better, safer world.

The 2020 tour features events across 13 Midwest states, considered to be the agricultural and manufacturing heart of America.