The U.S. Dry Bean Council (USDBC) is a national trade association representing the interests of the American dry bean industry. Headquartered in Sacramento, California, the Council is dedicated to promoting the production, consumption, and international trade of U.S. dry beans through advocacy, research, marketing, and international cooperation.
Core Business
USDBC serves as the central promotional and policy body for U.S. dry bean producers, processors, exporters, and allied industry members. It works to increase global awareness and demand for U.S.-grown dry beans by offering technical support, marketing assistance, and market intelligence to stakeholders across the value chain.
Services and Functions
- International Market Development: Conducts promotional programs, trade servicing, and educational outreach in over 20 countries, focusing on Asia, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East.
- Policy Advocacy: Represents U.S. dry bean growers and exporters in matters related to trade policy, tariffs, phytosanitary regulations, and market access barriers.
- Research Support: Funds and disseminates research on nutrition, agronomy, and market trends relevant to dry beans.
- Trade Missions & Buyer Engagement: Organizes delegations to key markets and hosts inbound buyer visits to connect U.S. exporters with global importers.
Specialization and Core USP
- Commodity-Specific Focus: The Council’s expertise is solely dedicated to the dry bean category, enabling it to develop deep market intelligence and tailored strategies.
- Unified Industry Voice: Represents growers and exporters from all major U.S. dry bean producing states, including North Dakota, Michigan, Nebraska, Colorado, Idaho, and Washington.
- Nutritional Promotion: Highlights dry beans as sustainable, protein-rich, and fiber-dense plant-based foods that support global food security.
U.S. Dry Bean Industry Overview
According to USDA and USDBC data:
- The U.S. is one of the top five global producers of dry beans.
- In 2022, 1.1 million metric tons of dry beans were produced in the U.S., covering over 1.2 million acres.
- Top bean varieties include pinto, navy, black, kidney, great northern, and garbanzo beans.
Financial and Export Performance
- Export Volume (2022): Approximately 350,000 metric tons of U.S. dry beans exported globally
- Top Markets: Mexico, Dominican Republic, Haiti, European Union, and Japan
- Export Value: Over $400 million USD in 2022
- Programs are supported by the USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) through Market Access Program (MAP) and Foreign Market Development (FMD) funding.
Target Market
- Global food importers and distributors
- Government procurement agencies
- Foodservice and hospitality industries
- Retailers and private label brands
- Nutrition and food security programs (e.g., NGOs and UN agencies)
Capabilities
- Market intelligence and trade data reporting
- In-market promotional activities and technical seminars
- Regulatory guidance and documentation support
- Sustainability messaging for institutional procurement
- Partnerships with universities and food labs for technical R&D
Certifications and Compliance
While the USDBC itself is not a certifying body, it promotes compliance with the following standards among its members:
- USDA Grade Standards for Beans
- Global GAP and GMP Certification for growers and processors
- FDA regulations for food safety and labeling
- Halal and Kosher certifications for applicable products
Customer and Stakeholder Testimonials
The USDBC has earned recognition from importers, trade partners, and international development agencies for:
- Reliable export support and trade facilitation
- High-quality technical resources and recipe innovation
- Long-standing commitment to market development in under-served regions
Major Achievements
- Successfully opened and expanded market access in China, India, and the European Union
- Conducted the "Beans Is How" global campaign with aligned messaging on sustainability and nutrition
- Supported over $1 billion USD in dry bean exports in the last five years
- Played a key role in reducing technical trade barriers in Latin America through coordinated diplomacy and trade servicing
Through strategic international outreach, strong partnerships with U.S. government agencies, and a steadfast commitment to promoting sustainable and nutritious food systems, the U.S. Dry Bean Council continues to elevate the profile and performance of American dry beans on the global stage.
