Steve Ferguson, director of international programs at the Greater Des Moines Partnership, announced today that his position will be eliminated at the end of the year.

A grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture that has provided funding for the position expires on Dec. 31. The grant has been a collaborative effort between the Partnership and Iowa State University since 1987.

Ferguson, who previously headed the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship’s marketing department, has led the Partnership’s international trade office for nearly 2 1/2 years. He said in an e-mail that he is searching for opportunities to stay in Greater Des Moines.

Partnership spokeswoman Susan Ramsey said Ferguson’s responsibilities will be taken on by several other staff members within the organization.