USDA to Showcase BioPreferred Procurement Program
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will hold a BioPreferred biobased product showcase program to increase the procurement and use of biobased products – such as those that are corn-based -- for federal agencies and their contractors to enable the marketing of biobased products.
The event will be held in conjunction with the 2008 General Services Administration (GSA) Expo, April 21-24, in Anaheim, Calif. Members of the bioproducts industry can network with more than 6,000 federal and state procurement officials to learn how to sell to the federal government and to learn more about the federal BioPreferred program. Additionally, biobased product vendors are invited to share limited exhibit space with USDA to showcase products and meet potential customers.
The BioPreferred program was created by the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (FSRIA), and its preference requirements were recently added to the Federal Acquisition Regulations, which outline the uniform policies for Federal procurement officials and contractors.
Click here for more information on the showcase event.
NCGA maintains a database of corn-based products here.
Ethanol Industry Boosts National Economy
When it comes to supporting U.S. manufacturing, providing jobs or filling the coffers of government treasuries, the U.S. ethanol industry is doing its fair share – and then some, according to a new study on ethanol’s economic impact.
One of the greatest things about the report, the NCGA recognizes, is that ethanol keeps U.S. dollars in the United States. According to the report’s author, economist John Urbanchuk, a director at the research and analysis firm LECG, the production of nearly 6.5 billion gallons of ethanol means that the United States needed to import 228.2 million fewer barrels of oil in 2007 to manufacture gasoline, or roughly the equivalent of five percent of total U.S. crude oil imports. The value of the crude oil displaced by ethanol amounted to $16.5 billion in 2007 – money that stayed in the American economy.
“The hallmark of energy security is reducing our dependence on other countries for vital energy commodities such as oil,” said NCGA president Ron Litterer. “Whether it is corn ethanol, other biofuels, or even petroleum, we need to produce a higher percentage here within our own borders. It’s important for American jobs and American security.”
Other highlights of the report are:
- The combination of spending for annual operations, ethanol transportation, and capital spending for new plants under construction added $47.6 billion to the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP) in 2007.
- The increase in economic activity resulting from ongoing production and construction of new capacity supported the creation of 238,541 jobs in all sectors of the economy during 2007. These include more than 46,000 jobs in America’s manufacturing sector -- American jobs making ethanol from grain produced by American farmers.
- Increased economic activity and new jobs result in higher levels of income for American households. The production of ethanol put an additional $12.3 billion into the pockets of American consumers in 2007.
The ethanol industry generated an estimated $4.6 billion in tax revenue for the federal government -- $1.2 billion over the two major federal support programs for the ethanol industry. And the ethanol industry generated an additional $3.6 billion of tax revenue for state and local governments. Click here for more information.
National 25x’25 Summit to Highlight Value of Renewable Energy
An upcoming conference will offer the latest in research and policy developments that will help make America's farms, ranches and forestlands major players in a new energy future. The National 25x'25 Renewable Energy Summit is scheduled for March 11-13 in Omaha, Neb.
At the conference, participants will have the opportunity to learn the latest from leading renewable energy experts from across the nation. More than two dozen pre-eminent authorities on biofuels, biomass, wind, solar and other land-based renewable energy sources will address the summit. Also, those attending can learn how American agriculture and forestry will help shape our energy future and see the latest in bioenergy research.
The 25x’25 vision is endorsed in the energy bill President Bush signed in December. By 2025, the agricultural, forestry and working land of the United States should provide from renewable resources not less than 25 percent of the total energy consumed in the United States and continue to produce safe, abundant and affordable food, feed and fiber. Click here for more information on the summit.’
Corn Growers Need a Farm Bill, Says NCGA President
The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) says work on the farm bill needs to be expedited so producers can make farming decisions for this year and the next.
“NCGA is pleased discussion is continuing on the farm bill,” said NCGA President Ron Litterer, a grower from Greene, Iowa. “We hope that all sides involved will quickly come to an agreement and get the bill completed by the March 15 deadline.”
Yesterday, House agriculture committee chairman Collin Peterson (D-Minn.) said there might be another one-month extension of the farm bill, pushing the completion date back until April 15.
“While commodity prices remain well over target price levels, it is important that growers be able to plan for this crop year and those over the next five years,” Litterer added. “The expiration of the 2002 farm bill has been no secret and did not come by happenstance. Action needs to be taken now to ensure the farm bill is competed in a timely manner.”
NCGA is optimistic that this farm bill will include an improved risk management tool that will address the increasing levels of risk farmers are facing today and in the future. The House, Senate, and administration farm bill proposals all include revenue programs. Litterer said corn growers need a farm bill that delivers a more market-oriented safety net that ensures assistance when it is needed most.
NCGA Leaders Congratulate CEO Tolman on Agri-Marketing Award
Leaders of the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) said they are delighted and proud at the National Agri-Marketing Association announcement that NCGA CEO Rick Tolman has been named Agribusiness Leader of the Year.
The award honors outstanding leaders in agribusiness, education, government service or other agribusiness related areas who exemplify excellence in agribusiness by their significant contributions to the industry.
“We congratulate Rick on this prestigious award,” said NCGA President Ron Litterer. “His commitment and dedication is apparent in the many accomplishments that benefit agriculture, especially in the areas of ethanol, trade, transportation, biotechnology, and farm policy.”
Noting Tolman’s efforts to dispel prevalent myths about corn ethanol, NCGA Chairman Ken McCauley said, “We couldn’t be more pleased. Rick is an outspoken champion for agriculture and this honor is well deserved.”
NCGA leaders and producers are at Commodity Classic, the combined tradeshow and convention of corn, soybean and wheat producers. “We are celebrating one or most successful Commodity Classic events yet,” said Bob Dickey, NCGA first vice president. “This is one more reason to celebrate.”
Tolman will receive the award April 17 at the 2008 Agri-Marketing Conference in Kansas City, Mo.
Commodity Classic Reaches Record-Breaking Numbers in Nashville, Tenn.
With 4,532 registrants and 145 members of the media in attendance and 847 tradeshow booths, Commodity Classic reached record-breaking numbers in Nashville, Tenn. last week.
“We were thrilled and overwhelmed with the record-breaking attendance. We never dreamed it would be so high,” said Commodity Classic co-chair and NCGA Corn Board member Theresa Schmalshof. “The location was convenient for Midwesterners and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. This year’s numbers might be hard to beat, but we’ll certainly try to top them next year in Texas.”
Highlights of the event included addresses by Secretary of Agriculture Ed Schafer and political analyst Charlie Cook, an exclusive show at the Grand Ole Opry, a sold-out tradeshow, association meetings, banquets and receptions, and several other significant networking opportunities. Commodity Classic 2009 will be held Feb. 26-28 in Grapevine, Texas. Click here for more information. Photos from the 2008 Commodity Classic will be posted soon.
NCGA, BASF Recognize Scholarship Winners
Recipients of the National Corn Growers Association Academic Excellence in Agriculture Scholarship program, sponsored by BASF Corporation, were announced last week at the 2008 Commodity Classic in Nashville, Tenn.
“Given the high cost of a modern education, we believe that a scholarship program targeted to agriculture is one of the best ways to support future farmers, and we are happy to be able to help in this way,” Ken McCauley, NCGA Chairmen, said at the announcement. “In this inaugural year of the program we generated a great deal of interest in the scholarship among our membership and at ag programs across the country.”
The five winners, culled from 80 applications received, are:
- Jason Buss, Bowen, Ill., who is majoring in agricultural engineering at the University of Illinois
- Lauren Schlosser, Chesterfield, Mo., who is majoring in animal sciences at the University of Missouri
- James Seitzer, St. Peter, Minn., who is majoring in agricultural business management at the University of Minnesota
- Catie Simpson, Ault, Colo., who is pursuing a Ph.D. in meat microbiology at Colorado State University
- Joshua Yoder, Plain City, Ohio, who is majoring in agribusiness and applied economics at Ohio State University
“American farmers are making great strides in crop production and today’s students will have tremendous opportunities in their future careers to contribute to the production of food and energy for the world,” said Adam Burnhams, marketing manager for BASF’s U.S. Crop Protection division. “BASF is proud to help American farmers meet those needs.”
“I was extremely flattered and honored by the ag community when I heard I won the scholarship,” Simpson said. “As a graduate student, there aren't a lot of scholarships that I'm eligible for. This is near and dear to my heart to be recognized by BASF and NCGA with this scholarship.”
Application information for the 2009 program will be released in fall 2008.
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