Consumption outlook also raised for 2017-18 market year.

Council points to strength in maize as reason for increase.

If realized, would trail only last season’s record production.

Trade holds strong, forecast at 17 million tonnes.

Black Sea crop conditions show improvement.

Global wheat production forecast also lowered.

The council approves new membership, appointments and research initiatives during annual meeting.

IGC again raises its estimate for 2015-16 with export increases in Argentina, Canada and Kazakhstan.

Global wheat production forecast remains unchanged.

If realized, it would be the third largest crop ever produced.