The North American Export Grain Association has named Augusto Bassanini as its new Chair of the Board of Directors at its Annual Meeting in Nashville, TN. 

Bassanini’s appointment was confirmed following an election among the members. Bassanini is President and CEO of United Grain Corporation, a role he has held since 2013. He joined the NAEGA Board of Directors in 2016 and has served as Secretary since 2019.  

Alejandra Castillo, NAEGA President and CEO, said of Bassanini’s election: “Augusto been an integral and dedicated member of the NAEGA Board of Directors for a decade. He brings vast commercial and leadership experience and I am excited for NAEGA to expand on its current growth and success under his guidance”. 

Bassanini replaces the outgoing Matt Hopkins of the Archer-Daniels-Midland (ADM) Company, who served in the role from March 2024. Hopkins’ leadership and stewardship of the association were recognized by members during the meeting. Castillo said, “Matt has been a key part of NAEGA’s growth and reorganization since I joined the association in 2024. His guidance has enabled us to reposition NAEGA to better serve our members’ needs while ensuring the financial sustainability and strategic autonomy of the organization. We wish him success in his new role.”  

Upon taking the role, Bassanini said: “I am honored to be appointed to the helm of an organization with over 100 years of history in service of the North American agricultural export industry. NAEGA has seen incredible growth and renewal over the past few years, driven by a strategic focus on responding to its members’ needs. I am grateful for the work Matt and Alejandra have done in driving this change. As Chairman, I intend to continue developing NAEGA’s programmatic offering, and support NAEGA’s emerging role as a voice on the key trade policy issues affecting the export industry amid a challenging trade landscape.” 

Members also appointed Jeff Wilson, from Zen-Noh Grain Corporation, as Secretary of the Board of Directors, replacing Bassanini. 

During the Annual Meeting, NAEGA presented its 2025 Annual Report. The report articulates NAEGA’s continuing evolution amid a challenging trade landscape. It emphasizes the importance of cooperation with different stakeholders to ensure the reliability and sustainability of commercial agricultural exports. 

Here are the highlights from the 2025 Annual Report.

Contract Training

NAEGA delivered nine contract training seminars across the U.S., Canada and Mexico in 2025. Through expanding knowledge of the primary contract and arbitration process used to export grains and oilseeds from North America, the seminars play a key role in promoting trade to new markets, and reducing trade frictions. 

Trade Policy

Responding to the turbulence in global trade in 2025, NAEGA has taken action to promote and sustain the reliability of commercial agricultural exports. Key focuses have been on the reduction of punitive vessel fees on U.S. agricultural exports, advocating for a full 16-year renewal of the USMCA, and reducing the impact of EU Deforestation Regulations on North American Exporters. 

Growing Global Partnerships

Throughout 2025, NAEGA supported market access initiatives for North American grains and oilseeds, representing the export industry at meetings and conventions around the world. NAEGA forged strong partnerships, from Europe to South America, shaping global conversations and demonstrating its value as a trusted partner on trade policy issues. 

NAEGA’s New Home

NAEGA’s continuing evolution was embodied by its relocation to the historic Whittemore House in the heart of Washington, D.C.  

Membership and Staff

As well as adding three new associate members in 2025, NAEGA added two new faces to the office. The recruitment of Drew Erickson, Program and Administration Manager, and Dana Clarke, Director of Contracts, fulfils critical needs identified in NAEGA”s 2024-2027 tactical plan. 

Read the full report here.  

NAEGA Board of Directors