NCGA Leadership Attends U.S. Grains Council Annual Meeting (2-16-06)

National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) leadership attended the 46th Annual U.S. Grains Council (USGC) membership meeting in Tucson, Ariz., this week to discuss trade issues, the World Trade Organization (WTO) talks and crafting a trade-compliant farm bill.

NCGA President Gerald Tumbleson, Chairman Leon Corzine, CEO Rick Tolman and Director of Public Policy June Silverberg attended the meeting.

Corzine said NCGA’s relationship with USGC is an important one.

“These meetings are significant, and the coordinated effort between NCGA and USGC is extremely important,” said Corzine. “We’re working effectively as we look to open markets for U.S. products and in particular corn. The impact of our checkoff dollars is realized around the world because of the efforts of NCGA and USGC in developing markets for our products.

Attendees received updates on world trade issues, avian influenza and WTO discussions, in addition to conducting the business of the association.

Corzine said the meetings also served as good discussion for the trade issues that lie ahead for 2006.

“At this meeting, we took a look at what trade means, the importance of trade and what we may or may not have to adjust in our farm bill,” Corzine said. “It’s imperative that we have a trade-compliant farm bill.”

USGC develops export markets for U.S. corn, barley, sorghum and related products. NCGA has one delegate to the annual meeting, and representation on the Joint Trade Policy A-Team and the Joint Biotech Committee.