The conference will be held in London on 15 June 2005 and will provide opportunities for buyers, sellers and end-users to meet with government and industry representatives.

Ocean freight rates, which reached a historical high this year, are also likely to be a topic, as importers and exporters have still had to contend with these despite a good 2004 crop boosting world grain supplies and generally lowering prices. Speakers will examine current developments and the outlook for grains in 2005/6 and beyond.

Also to be discussed will be the changes the World Trade Organisation's (WTO) Doha negotiations may bring to the grain sector.

The Doha Declaration on Agriculture sets out regulations to be followed by governments with the aim of correcting and preventing restrictions in world agricultural markets.

The IGC is an intergovernmental organisation concerned with furthering international cooperation in all aspects of grains trade. It aims to promote expansion in the grains sector and to contribute to grain market stability.

Guests at this year's conference will include speakers from Australia, China, Hungary, Malaysia and the European Commission.