Research and Commercialization

Date: 7/07
Position Number: IV-A
Expires: 3/08

The Research focus at NCGA is to apply scientific knowledge to ensure ever increasing opportunities for corn growers, a profitable corn industry, and a thriving rural economy.

Resolution/Position:

1. We support corn genome sequencing and functionality research and we will pursue action to increase the annual funding for the plant genome initiative with continued leadership through the National Science Foundation (NSF) and other agencies.
2. NCGA should develop an aggressive strategic plan for public research in functional genomics of corn and focus policy and research dollars to that end.
3. Work with state affiliates, government, university and industry representatives to execute a comprehensive, national corn research and commercialization strategy based on a stage gate model to expand the utilization of corn and corn products. In order to realize a return on the valuable intellectual properties developed by the NCGA research effort, a program of marketing the technology should be instituted. The returns shall be reinvested in corn grower research and commercialization efforts with the ultimate objective of returning value to the producers.
4. Support research and development to increase the production efficiency of ethanol. NCGA will support federal funding for the operation of the National Corn to Ethanol Research Center.
5. We support corn genome sequencing and functionality research and we will pursue action to double the annual funding for the plant genome initiative with continued leadership through the National Science Foundation (NSF) and other agencies.
6. Continue the maize trait development program with the goal of developing commercially important genetic traits in corn and capture this value for the producer
7. Support the development and acceptance of scientifically proven biotechnology products in production agriculture and the processing of agricultural products.
8. Germplasm Protection: Urge Congress to explore ways to adequately fund USDA’s National Seed Storage Laboratory to help maintain the genetic diversity of corn and other crop seed stock important to agricultural production.
9. Support research into the use of the value-added products generated by the corn industry for livestock and poultry feeding, aquaculture and other new uses.
10. Support Biobased Products:
    1. All agencies purchase biobased products identified by USDA as long as the price is not unreasonable, performs as needed, and is available for use.
    2. Establish an equal footing of validation of biobased products with petrochemical based products by reducing the Building for Environmental and Economic Stability (BEES) and other unreasonable requirements;
    3. Establish a pathway for approval of intermediate chemicals/feedstocks thus reducing the burden of proof on individual items;
    4. Strengthen compliance through reducing loophole provisions
11. Facilitate a forum for state/national research representatives to share/explore current and future research opportunities.
12. Encourage the USDA and DOE to target research dollars toward the development of new uses for corn and corn products.
13. Support increased funding for food and agricultural research.
14. Support legislation that would create a federal tax incentive for businesses and individuals who invest in renewable energy related research and demonstration projects.
15. Support the creation of an independent, peer reviewed granting agency (e.g. NSF, NIH) reporting directly to the Secretary of Agriculture supported through mandatory funding.