FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NCGA Pleased With Senate Passage of the Farm Bill

ST. LOUIS (December 14, 2007) — Senate passage today of the Food and Energy Security Act of 2007 marks another positive step forward of an optional revenue-based counter cyclical program, notes the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA).

The Senate passed the bill, HR 2419, by a 79-14 vote.

 “NCGA applauds the Senate for working in a bipartisan fashion to pass this legislation before the Christmas holiday,” said NCGA President Ron Litterer.  “Corn growers nationwide are pleased by the Senate’s support for advancing an optional revenue-based safety net for farmers.”

The adoption of the Average Crop Revenue (ACR) program in the Commodity Title incorporates a more market-oriented farm safety net program that better meets the needs of producers in today’s economic environment.  ACR is scheduled to be available beginning 2010 and is designed to deliver more efficient support for producers who experience revenue shortfalls.

“NCGA appreciates the leadership efforts of Agriculture Senate Chairman Tom Harkin and Sens. Sherrod Brown and Dick Durbin in introducing and advancing the ACR program,” Litterer added.

The bill now goes to the House and Senate conference committee.  NCGA looks forward to working with the conferees to introduce additional improvements to further strengthen the ACR.

Harkin expressed hope that conference negotiations can be completed in January.

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The National Corn Growers Association’s mission is to create and increase opportunities for corn growers. NCGA represents more than 33,000 members and 48 affiliated state organizations and hundreds of thousands of growers who contribute to state checkoff programs. For more information on NCGA, log on to www.ncga.com.