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Checkoff
Funds Provide Big Returns for Little Cost (1-15-02)
Imagine
multi-million dollar research being done for the sole purpose of making
you more money. Imagine consumers being educated on the necessity of
your job and, in turn, those consumers going out of their way to use
your product. You don't have to imagine, because that's already happening
thanks to checkoffs.
The
National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) recognizes the plethora of
positives that spring from the checkoff funds of 20 corn-grower states.
NCGA provides a voice to the nation's corn growers both nationally and
internationally on matters such as ethanol promotion, biotechnology,
farm legislation and much more. None of that would be possible without
the fraction of a cent per bushel corn growers pay at the elevator.
One
of the more visible uses for checkoff funds is projects researching
new technology to open new markets for corn. Millions of dollars are
spent every year researching new uses for corn and a large portion of
that money comes from checkoffs. New uses for corn fiber, plastics,
antifreeze and other industrial chemicals are only the tip of the iceberg.
The new PLA plant in Blair, Neb., is a shining example of successful
use of checkoff monies. PLA has the potential to revolutionize the garment
industry as well as advances in plastics and packaging, and was possible
in part because of checkoffs.
However,
research isn't the only avenue for checkoff funds. Lynne Hoot, the executive
director of the Maryland Grain Producers Association and the Maryland
Grain Producers Utilization Board, said checkoffs provide several programs
for growers.
"We
do production research," she said, "but we also use checkoff
funds to conduct feasibility studies and it will provide at least part
of our business plan for an ethanol plant.
"We've
also funded environmental research to make sure farmers are using poultry
litter in an environmentally sensitive manner and we've done some work
on nitrogen removal," she continued. "One of our goals is
to improve the awareness of agriculture and the public's awareness of
its importance with education programs. Some of these include ag in
the classroom programs for school-aged children and programs with our
nutrition groups."
Some
states allow growers to request their money be refunded at the end of
the year, but if you think about it, the money provided by checkoffs
provides a pretty big return. That money is used to open new markets,
provide awareness and fund programs that actively fight for the rights
of growers. More money, more return. The more you support your state's
checkoff program, the better chance you have of making more money with
your product.
Last reviewed
January 15, 2002
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