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FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NCGA' s Corzine Named to USDA Biotech Committee
April
10,
2003
Contact: Mimi Ricketts, NCGA,
(636) 733-9004, ext. 112
(ST. LOUIS) April
10, 2003 -- National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) Biotech Working
Group Chairman Leon Corzine has been appointed to the USDA Advisory
Committee on Biotechnology and 21st Century Agriculture. Corzine is
among the 18 members Agriculture Secretary Ann Veneman named to the
new committee.
"This committee will take a forward look at agriculture biotechnology
and will serve as an important resource as USDA addresses emerging issues
related to this field," Veneman said in a statement. "I am
pleased that these individuals have agreed to provide their time and
expertise to serve on this committee."
The committee is charged with examining the long-term impacts of biotechnology
on the U.S. food and agriculture system and providing guidance to USDA
on pressing individual issues related to the application of biotechnology
in agriculture.
Corzine, a grower from Assumption, Ill., and an NCGA Corn Board member,
said the appointment represents a great opportunity for the nation '
s corn growers to have their voices heard on an important issue.
"It allows producers the ability to provide input to Secretary
Veneman and USDA and the Bush Administration on these issues, which
are important to us on the farm," he said. "Three of the 18
members of the committee are farmers, which I think is good, since our
mission has been to put the producers' face on these important topics.
"My hope is this committee will be active and give sound advice
to Secretary Veneman and the Administration," Corzine continued.
"My job is to represent farmers in this forum and help others understand
the issues from our perspective."
Corzine' s appointment came after nearly a year of consideration. Upon
having his name submitted for the position, he received support from
his senators, a number of Illinois congressmen, as well as the Illinois
Department of Agriculture, who penned a letter to the USDA on his behalf.
The members, from 14 states, the District of Columbia, and Mexico, represent
the biotechnology industry, the seed industry, farmers, environmental
and consumer organizations, academia and international plant research
centers, the food industry, product shippers and traders. The appointments
will be published in the Federal Register in the coming week. Appointees
will serve one- or two-year terms, and may be reappointed to serve up
to six consecutive years.
To read the USDA press release in its entirety and to read the full
list of appointees, visit the NCGA web site at http://www.ncga.com/biotechnology/pdfs/USDArelease04_08_03.htm
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The National Corn
Growers Association mission is to create and increase opportunities
for corn growers in a changing world and to enhance corn's profitability
and usage. NCGA represents more than 32,000 members, 25 affiliated state
corn grower organizations and hundreds of thousands of growers who contribute
to state checkoff programs.
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