New Appointment Is Key Facet of Market Leader's Ambitious Growth Agenda

PORTLAND, Ore., Sept. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Columbia Grain International™ (www.columbiagrain.com; CGI), which has been Cultivating Growth™ as a global leader in the origination, processing, logistics, and distribution of high-quality bulk grains, pulses, edible beans, oilseeds, and organics for U.S. domestic and worldwide export markets since 1978, today announces the promotion of industry veteran, Kurt Haarmann, to President and CEO, effective immediately. The announcement was made by CGI's parent company, Marubeni Corporation, a major Japanese integrated trading and investment business committed to developing an efficient supply line for U.S. grains to be sent to Japan and beyond.

Having earned his Bachelor's degree in finance from University of Washington, Mr. Haarmann has worked in the grain and pulse business since joining Columbia Grain International in Colfax, WA in 1993. With experience in procurement, domestic and export trading, contract execution and operations management from 1996-2014 for wheat and later for oilseeds, he was promoted to Chief Commercial Officer on April 1, 2025, with oversight of all commodities, freight and logistics.

"Our mission at Columbia Grain is to safely cultivate high quality ingredients from our local farmers that feed the world," stated Mr. Haarmann.  "It's our purpose to cultivate growth for all members of our community – from our farmers to our partners throughout our supply chain."

With the disruptions in the grain and pulse agricultural markets due to geopolitical tensions in Europe, global fluctuating tariffs, and unfavorable weather conditions, Columbia Grain's managers throughout the norther tier of the United States predict a strong year with high demand for their grains, corn, soybeans and pulses both within the US as well as in Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan.

About Columbia Grain International
Since 1978, Columbia Grain International™ (CGI) has been Cultivating Growth™ as a global leader in the origination, processing, logistics, and distribution of high-quality bulk grains, pulses, edible beans, oilseeds, and organics for U.S. domestic and worldwide export markets. Headquartered in Portland, OR, CGI's reliable supply chain spans the western region of the U.S., ensuring abundant ingredients for all of its partners, thanks to their trusted relationships with their farmers throughout the fertile croplands of Washington, Idaho, Montana,  Nebraska, and North Dakota, well known for its high-quality wheat, feed grains, canola and pulses.

CGI is an owner of Montana Specialty Mills, who operates an organic and non-GMO oilseed crushing facility in Great Falls, Montana, a mustard seed facility in Conrad, Montana, and most recently Montana Craft Malt —providing specialty malt barley from Montana farmers to the craft brewing world. Today, they are vertically integrated, operating assets including grain elevators, processing plants and agronomy centers to support their farmers, which stretch the northern tier of the United States.  

Media Contact: Peter Burk, christieand.co, 805.969.3744

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SOURCE Columbia Grain International