FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For more information contact:
Mimi Ricketts, 636-733-9004, ext. 112
Rhondalee Dean-Royce, 202-628-7001

U.S. Corn Coalition Disappointed in Canadian Preliminary Ruling

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) December 15, 2005 – The U.S. Corn Coalition today expressed extreme disappointment in a ruling by the Canadian Border Services Agency to issue preliminary duties on U.S. corn. The decision comes in response to allegations U.S. dumping and subsidizing of grain corn harms Canadian producers.

The coalition, which includes the National Corn Growers Association, U.S. Grains Council, Corn Refiners Association and American Farm Bureau Federation, said that the process is not final and it will continue working with the U.S. Trade Representative and the Agriculture Department to demonstrate that there has been no injury to Canadian corn producers.

Instead, contends the coalition, duties on U.S. corn could potentially cause harm to Canadian corn users by stopping or decreasing corn imports from the United States to a country that does not produce enough corn for domestic production.

The final decision by the Canadian Border Services Agency is expected in March 2006.

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The National Corn Growers Association’s mission is to create and increase opportunities for corn growers. NCGA represents nearly 33,000 members, 45 affiliated state organizations and hundreds of thousands of growers who contribute to state checkoff programs. For more information, log on to www.ncga.com.