News

St. Lawerence Seaway supporting actor for ag exports

The Soy Transportation Coalition executive director says the St. Lawerence Seaway is helping diversify agricultural export channels.

Mike Steenhoek tells Brownfield, “The Great Lakes can and should play a bigger role in farmers being competitive in the international marketplace.”

“It’s never going to rival the Mississippi Gulf or the Pacific Northwest, but it’s one of those avenues that we should be able to utilize more vigorously,” he says.

Steenhoek says shipping is one of the most environmentally sustainable ways to move products globally.

“A lot of our customers increasingly demand not just agricultural products, soybeans and grain for a particular price, but they’re also wanting to ensure that it’s being not only produced, but also transported in an environmentally sustainable way,” he explains. “Maritime transportation, including the Great Lakes, is one notable way that we can achieve that.”

The Soy Transportation Coalition has a Gateway Incentive Agreement with the Seaway for a 50 percent reduction in tolls for ag exporters moving new freight through the Great Lakes.

Steenhoek is a featured speaker at this week’s Great Lakes Alliance for Sustainable Shipping meeting near Detroit.