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About MSA

The Midwest Shippers’ Association (MSA) is a regional non-profit trade cooperative, created to assist producers, networks of producers, and small locally-owned firms to efficiently and cost-effectively move identity-preserved (IP) crops directly to buyers in both domestic and export markets.  MSA enjoys the support of major grower associations and government agencies, and is quickly becoming the voice of specialty grain shippers in the upper Midwest, while working hard to establish the region as an identity-preserved, specialty grains center for the world.

MSA members realize, that with the globalization of world markets, and agriculture’s gradual transformation toward market oriented production, transparency and close relationships are increasingly important if we are to fully satisfy our global customers’ various demands. MSA plays the role of matchmaker by establishing trade relationships between MSA members and international customers, and by also negotiating lower and more consistent transportation rates for them, through its role as a freight consolidator.

MSA took a pro-active approach to international marketing this year, having promoted its members abroad at events in Japan, Taiwan, Cuba, Costa Rica and beyond.  MSA also sponsors the annual Midwest Specialty Grains Conference and Trade Show (www.grainconference.com), which averages more than 300 attendees from 20-plus states and 12-15 countries each year, including foreign and domestic buyers, processors, traders and growers in the specialty grains industry.

Trade leads and specific product requests that are received by MSA, are immediately distributed to members for their consideration.  In addition, MSA also provides its members a weekly news digest and is a member of the Agricultural Ocean Transportation Coalition (AgOTC), which monitors government and commercial activities that affect ocean shipping.

As a member of the MSA, you have an opportunity to be a part of an association that is doing things for YOU!

Services

Facilitating Shipping Services -- MSA can assist members in recommending and facilitating services for international and national shipping agricultural commodities by containers, including networking among associate member shipping service providers.

Market Development -- MSA, in partnership with a broad spectrum of agricultural interests and State agencies, is committed to assisting its members in the development of new and existing export markets. MSA also continues to identify new high-profile customers for its members, by receiving trade delegations from abroad, and through participating in international and domestic trade shows.

Export Intelligence -- MSA’s management team has a wealth of expertise in international trade and shipping and is able to facilitate all commercial, shipping, governmental and financial documentation procedures and can assist MSA members assess, manage and facilitate the transfer of risk where necessary.

Industry Advocate -- MSA unequivocally supports and participates in efforts to build a strong intermodal infrastructure for the upper Midwest.  MSA staff has significant lobbying experience and will work to ensure that U.S. upper Midwest agricultural exporters have a voice in the shipping and trade issues that affect their industry.

MSA Application Form

To qualify as a regular member of MSA, a firm must be a producer, processor, grain elevator firm, or other agricultural business or group, located in the upper Midwest (Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa or Wisconsin).  To qualify as an associate, non-voting member, a firm must be engaged in agribusiness or in the agribusiness product and service sector, with the understanding that MSA activities are in direct support of upper Midwest agriculture.

Annual Membership Investment
(January 1 – December 31)

• Individual Producer - $150
• Agribusiness - $300
• Sponsor - $1000
• Associate - $300

The undersigned hereby applies for membership in MIDWEST SHIPPERS' ASSOCIATION, and in consideration of acceptance of this application, agrees to comply with, and be bound by, the Association's Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws.

MISSION STATEMENT

To promote and facilitate agricultural marketing through the efficient and economical movement of products from the Upper Midwest to their destinations.
 

Name of Business: Type of Business: Select One Producer ($150) Grain Handler ($300) Sponsor Trade Group/Agency ($,1000) Other Contact Person: Title: Street/PO Box: City, State, Zip Code: Telephone: Fax: E-mail Address: