Northern Grain Belt Ports Initiative Established to Modernize Mississippi River Agricultural Export Infrastructure

Summary

A coalition of U.S. regional partners including the Port of La Crosse, City of Prairie du Chien, the Mississippi River Regional Planning Commission, and local chambers of commerce launched the Northern Grain Belt Ports Initiative. The initiative aims to reduce transportation costs and risks associated with river transportation, establish a basis for leveraging resources to develop port infrastructure, better connect agricultural providers to the river, and unite stakeholders along Wisconsin's West Coast. Corn Belt Ports Director of Operations Chris Smith emphasized that food security and farm security are national security priorities, with the initiative positioned as a critical link in America's agricultural and global supply chains. The initiative is housed in the La Crosse Area Chamber of Commerce and will work to secure investment for keeping American agricultural exports moving reliably.