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| Sen. Charles Grassley (R-Iowa) speaks to corn growers at the National Corn Growers Association’s Corn Congress on Thursday. Grassley discussed ethanol and the Central American-Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement. |
Grassley
Speaks to NCGA Corn Congress (7-15-05)
Sen.
Charles Grassley (R-Iowa), chairman of the Senate Finance Committee,
spoke about energy, the Central American-Dominican Republic Free
Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR) and farm program payments at the National
Corn Growers Association’s (NCGA) Corn Congress on Thursday
in Washington, D.C. Grassley, the Senate’s only working family
farmer, has been a supporter of corn growers throughout his tenure
in Congress.
“Senator
Grassley recognizes corn growers’ needs and has been a true
champion for our causes,” said Leon Corzine, NCGA president.
“We appreciate the senator taking time from his busy schedule
to speak to us.”
Grassley noted
the agricultural agenda has some bright spots, touting ethanol as
renewable energy.
“We’ve
seen the development of a tremendous revenue stream and employment
base from ethanol and biodiesel plants in our rural communities,”
Grassley said. “I’m glad to advance tax incentives for
renewable energy through the Finance Committee . . . It’s
a pleasure to help value-added agriculture, at the same time helping
solve some of our energy problems that we have in America.”
Grassley also
credited corn growers with making a difference in moving CAFTA-DR
forward.
“I want
to thank the corn growers and a lot of other agricultural organizations
and commodity groups for helping us get the Central American Free
Trade Agreement passed,” Grassley said. “This is something
that will be very beneficial for agricultural.”