The following is the position of the National Corn Growers Association on the availability and use of biotechnology for U.S. agriculture.

For NCGA’s biotechnology policy statement in multiple languages, click here.

Biotechnology and Bushels

While farmers recognize the safety, benefits and potential of biotechnology, we also recognize that activist organizations have clouded the domestic and international acceptance of biotech products. This has created uncertainty and questions for everyone who grows, markets and handles corn. However, it must be emphasized that there have been no problems of food safety or quality with any biotech corn product.

National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) advocates the continued availability of federally regulated and approved seed and crops produced through biotechnology. NCGA supports the science-based regulatory process and stands behind the system that approves these new tools for agriculture and food production.

NCGA recognizes that the use of these biotech products is an individual decision, based upon the benefits of agronomic traits, such as higher yields from pest control that a hybrid may offer and the marketing options available for that hybrid.

Know Before You Grow

NCGA recommends that as you select hybrids you do so with the full knowledge of whether the number is conventional, one approved for EU export or one not yet approved for EU export. The NCGA website lists the hybrids approved for EU export. NCGA recommends that growers read their grower agreements before planting and are fully aware of the requirements of those agreements. It is vital that hybrids awaiting EU approval are kept out of export and processing channels.

Know Where to Go

If you grow hybrids not yet approved for export to the EU, NCGA urges you to funnel these hybrids into one of three markets. Those markets are: (1) to feed these hybrids in your own livestock rations, (2) to sell into domestic livestock feeding channels or (3) sell to elevators accepting grain not yet approved for EU export. Visit the American Seed Trade Association website for more information about the grain facilities accepting hybrids not yet approved for export to the EU.

This marketing discipline will ensure the integrity of the U.S. grain supply and will demonstrate the respect U.S. corn farmers have for the desires and preferences of our customers.

Insect Resistance Management

To prevent development of European corn borer resistance to Bt, farmers must follow the requirement, founded upon science-based regulatory agency review and upon advice from industry, to plant a 20% refuge of non-Bt hybrids in the Corn Belt and a 50% refuge in the Cotton Belt.

Voluntary Labeling

Although food safety is not the issue, NCGA policy supports consumer choice through standards for goods that do not contain products of biotechnology. Consistent with current U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulation, NCGA supports voluntary labeling for foods and agricultural products that identifies attributes that are important to consumers and that accurately conveys information without being misleading. NCGA believes labeling of non-biotech products provides a framework for consumer protection and choice.

In contrast to the voluntary labeling supported by NCGA, the European Union, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand have enacted mandatory food labeling to identify biotech ingredients. Some food manufacturers and retailers are reacting to these new labeling requirements that claim to be "free" of biotech material. The desire to market non-biotech food will increase demand for identity-preserved, conventional corn and for substitute food ingredients.

Segregation

Some grain handlers and processors have recommended segregating conventional and biotech hybrids. Segregation and the more management-intensive identity preservation require additional handling, which may pose challenges for farmers and elevator managers during harvest. NCGA maintains that users who prefer guaranteed conventional corn must be prepared to pay for the added management costs and equipment expenses required to segregate it.

NCGA will continue to work closely with all sectors of agriculture and with the government agencies that regulate biotechnology and that promote the export of U.S. crops. NCGA will continue to provide farmers with the information necessary to evaluate their markets. Furthermore, NCGA will insist that technology companies provide farmers with timely, accurate information and the choice to buy the best hybrids either as conventional seed or as those enhanced through biotechnology.