NCGA Leaders Discuss Issues of Mutual Concern with Sugar Industry (8-13-04)
National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) President Dee Vaughan and Corn Board member Scott Wall discussed issues of mutual interest with the sugar processors, cane and beet producer groups and the Corn Refiners Association this week at the 21st annual Sweetener Symposium in Vail, Colo. The event was sponsored by the American Sugar Alliance.
Vaughan said obesity issues, farm policy, World Trade Organization (WTO) negotiations and resolution of the sweetener dispute with Mexico topped the symposium agenda.
“The American Sugar Alliance put on a very informative symposium and we appreciated the opportunity to attend,” Vaughan said. “Scott Wall and I had the opportunity to hear a lot of outstanding speakers.”
Among those speakers were several members of Congress and Jim Grueff, a lead U.S. trade negotiator. “Jim gave a very clear presentation on the new WTO framework,” Vaughan said. “The information we received, including recent developments in the Brazilian cotton case, is very timely, considering WTO negotiations will begin shortly now that a framework agreement has been reached.”
Vaughan said Rep. Neil Abercrombie (D-Hawaii) delivered a luncheon address that covered several of NCGA’s main legislative efforts, including a comprehensive energy bill. Abercrombie stated his strong support for ethanol, other renewable energy sources and spoke of the need to develop our other forms of energy like coal. Sens. Craig Thomas (R-Wyo.), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), and Rep. Mark Foley(R-Fla.) gave their views on trade and other issues of interest to the group.
Jim Wiesemeyer, a Washington, D.C., consultant, gave a presentation on the coming election, trends in farm policy and insights into the various commodity organizations. Vaughan said other presentations dealt with the Central America Free Trade Agreement, North America Free Trade Agreement and updates on the expanding Brazilian agriculture. He said the symposium brought to light several issues of mutual interest.
"While we may not agree with our sugar industry counterparts on some trade policy, we do have many issues facing us where we do agree and need to work together,” Vaughan said. “It was a good opportunity to sit down with the sugar industry’s leadership and discuss how we can cooperate to help both corn and sugar producers.