Bode Recognized for Trade Policy Leadership

CRA President and CEO named recipient of Trailblazer Award from U.S.-Mexico Foundation

MEXICO CITY, Sept. 28, 2026 - Corn Refiners Association President and CEO John Bode has been named the recipient of a 2026 Trailblazer Award from the U.S.-Mexico Foundation.

The award, presented to Bode at this week's North Capital Forum in Mexico City, recognizes visionaries from the United States, Mexico, and Canada who have shown leadership to advance North American interests. Previous winners include American Cabinet officials, industry leaders, and other champions of integrated North American markets.

"This award is a tremendous honor because advancing integrated North American markets is so important," said Bode. "North America is the most food-secure region in the world not just because of an abundance of natural resources and dedicated producers, but also because of the strong relationships between American, Mexican, and Canadian trading partners. North America's highly competitive agricultural system rewards innovative producers and ensures unprecedented variety and affordability to consumers."

By a vote of his industry peers, Bode was chosen as the chair of the Agricultural Policy Advisory Committee, a group of agriculture leaders that provides strategic counsel to the Department of Agriculture and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative. Bode held that position from 2024 to 2026 after serving as a cleared advisor on the panel since 2020.

Bode regularly convenes gatherings of industry leaders to discuss trade policy issues and is a sought-after speaker on matters relevant to supporting American agriculture through strong overseas relationships. He has penned several op-eds highlighting the importance of trade to the American farm economy and is frequently quoted by members of the media, who seek him out for his trade policy expertise.

Mexico and Canada represent the top export markets for American corn refiners, with combined annual sales to the two countries of about $2 billion. A Purdue University study released earlier this year found the tariff reductions from the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement and its predecessor, the North American Free Trade Agreement, save American households roughly $700 in annual grocery costs.

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About the Corn Refiners Association (CRA)
The Corn Refiners Association (CRA) is the national trade association representing the corn refining industry of the United States. CRA and its predecessors have served this important segment of American agribusiness since 1913. Corn refiners manufacture sweeteners, starch, advanced bioproducts, corn oil and feed products from corn components such as starch, oil, protein, and fiber.