National Corn Growers Association

The export of corn and corn products is vital to the nation’s economy and NCGA has a deeply rooted policy of working to eliminate barriers to trade and supporting market development. Exports of U.S. corn and co-products provide critical support across the economy, offering billions in direct and indirect economic benefits to farmers, rural communities and the nation.

For generations, America's farmers and ranchers have built strong trading relationships to help maintain a competitive edge in the global economy and bolster job creation across the United States.

Growing for a Global Market

As the world’s largest producer and exporter of corn, U.S. corn farmers are well-positioned to meet global demand. With 96 percent of consumers living outside the United States, the future of American agriculture largely depends on our ability to sell to foreign markets. Additionally, markets with trade liberalization measures in place are outperforming the rest of the world. Exports to our 20 recent free trade partners account for more than 40 percent of total corn exports.

Why Trade Matters for Corn Farmers

Exports are responsible for 33 percent of U.S. corn farmers’ income. More than 20 percent of the U.S. corn crop is exported annually when accounting for corn and value-added products like ethanol and distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS). Twenty-six percent of U.S. corn exports go to Canada and Mexico alone.

The benefits don’t stop at the farm gate, they have a ripple effect throughout the U.S. economy. Agriculture, food, and related industries contributed $1.053 trillion to U.S. gross domestic product (GDP) in 2017, and in 2018 jobs related to agriculture account for 11 percent of total U.S. employment – 22 million full and part-time jobs[1].

New Markets, New Agreements

U.S. trade policy must advance the interests of American farmers and ranchers and boost U.S. agriculture’s competitiveness in regions undergoing economic growth. Corn farmers celebrated agreements to secure the future of U.S. trade relationships with Mexico, Canada, Korea, and Japan, all top markets for the U.S. corn industry. NCGA will work with the U.S. government to monitor implementation of these agreements and the Phase One agreement with China, which NCGA views as a positive step toward our overall goal of long-term market access and a fairer trading relationship.

Now it is time to build on this momentum and forge new trade agreements with strategic partners that offer new growth opportunities for U.S. corn and corn product exports. With rapid global population and middle-class growth projected for Southeast Asia, India, and sub-Saharan Africa, these regions require sustained U.S. engagement. We must continue to nurture and expand upon our successful partnerships in Latin America as well. Additionally, NCGA will work to build widespread recognition of the growth of ethanol exports and the importance of that opportunity for the U.S. corn industry. We see opportunities to achieve market access gains and address non-tariff barriers in the U.S. government’s negotiations with the United Kingdom, the European Union and Kenya, and NCGA will seek to ensure that agriculture is part of these and any other trade negotiations.

Building Markets and Knocking Down Barriers

In addition to new trade agreements, the daily, on-the-ground work of promoting U.S. agricultural products, fighting non-tariff trade barriers, and building global demand is critical to making trade work and keeping U.S. farmers competitive. USDA’s Market Access Program (MAP) and Foreign Market Development Program (FMD) assist farmers to expand key markets and build new export market demand. NCGA urges Congress to increase investment in these critical programs and to appropriate discretionary funds to support administrative costs associated with the programs.

NCGA will collaborate with the U.S. government and industry partners to counter the threat non-tariff barriers pose to the fair and open trade of corn and corn products. The corn industry encounters such barriers to the use of agricultural innovations such as biotechnology, crop protection products and, on the horizon, new plant breeding techniques, which are important tools for farmers’ environmental and economic sustainability. We will promote multi-lateral commitments to science-based and transparent regulation of these agricultural products.

TRADE PRIORITIES

Urge the Administration to pursue new free trade agreements, focusing on the Asia-Pacific region. Ensure that agriculture remains part of all trade negotiations.
Monitor implementation and enforcement of new trade agreements.
Increase funding for USDA's Market Access Program (MAP) and Foreign Market Development Program (FMD) to continue expanding existing markets and building new export market demand.
Stand firm against non-tariff trade barriers that impede corn and corn product market access.

ACTION

NCGA urges Congress to increase funding for MAP and FMD and to work with the Administration to pass free trade agreements that expand market access for American corn and corn products.

[1] USDA, Economic Research Service. https://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/ag-and-food-statistics-charting-the-essentials/ag-and-food-sectors-and-the-economy/

The U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement was signed by the United States, Mexico and Canada in November 2018. When approved by the legislatures of all three countries, the agreement would replace the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)

NCGA supports USMCA because the new agreement will solidify a $4.56 billion export market and provide some certainty as farmers begin the hard work of planting and harvesting their crop. Ratifying USMCA will also instill confidence in other nations that the U.S. is a reliable partner and supplier, ensuring U.S. agriculture remains competitive for generations to come.

Mexico and Canada are the U.S. corn industry’s largest, most reliable market.

U.S. ag exports have tripled to Canada and quintupled to Mexico since NAFTA.

Mexico is the top buyer of U.S. corn, purchasing 25 percent of corn exports.

In 2018, 21.4 million metric tons of corn and corn co-products were exported to Mexico and Canada, valued at $4.56 billion.
These exports produced $5.79 billion in economic activity, supported 36,480 jobs and 300,000 farms.

North American ag trade supports the economy beyond the farm gate.

In 2017, 21.6 million American jobs were related to agriculture, 11 percent of total U.S. employment.
The food and beverage sector is the largest U.S. manufacturing sector, representing 12 percent of all U.S. manufacturing jobs.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce estimates that NAFTA supports 12 million U.S. jobs.

Corn farmers cannot afford the risk of losing this market.

If Congress does not approve the USMCA, and the United States withdraws from NAFTA, tariffs in all three NAFTA countries would revert to most favored nation (MFN) status, amounting to a $9.4 billion loss in agricultural exports. Purdue University and Farm Foundation Study
Without NAFTA, we would experience a $800 million drop in corn production and a $13 billion hit to farm sector GDP. U.S. Grains Council-commissioned study
Having an agreement in place allows America to compete. The United States has much more competition in North America now than when NAFTA was signed - Mexico has 46 FTAs and Canada has 21.
We need USMCA to pass this year to provide farmers with certainty and to instill confidence in future trading partners that we are reliable suppliers and partners! Please bring it to a vote this year.

Withdrawing from the existing NAFTA agreement, closing the U.S.-Mexico border, or implementing other policies that jeopardize the future of this important economic partnership, would be catastrophic for agriculture. Even the threat of such actions creates uncertainty for farmers. The loss of the North American market would amount to a $9.4 billion annual drop in agricultural exports and a $13 billion hit to the farm sector GDP.

Supporting Materials

Trade News

July 1, 2020

It’s Official: USMCA Enters into Force Today

The United States-Mexico Canada Agreement (USMCA) is officially the law of the land, replacing...

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May 22, 2020

World Trade Month: Corn’s Top Markets, Colombia

The export of corn and corn products is vital to the nation’s economy and NCGA has a deeply...

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May 15, 2020

World Trade Month: Corn’s Top Markets, Japan

The export of corn and corn products is vital to the nation’s economy and NCGA has deeply rooted...

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May 8, 2020

World Trade Month: Corn’s Top Markets, Mexico

The export of corn and corn products is vital to the nation’s economy, and NCGA has a deeply...

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February 4, 2020

NCGA’s Annual Report Reflects On Significant Wins Amidst Challenging Times

The National Corn Growers Association’s Ann ual Report for the 2019 fiscal year is now available...

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January 31, 2020

USGC/NCGA Joint Officer Mission Celebrates Long-Time Trade Relationship with Vietnam, Explores Market Potential in Myanmar

The breadth and depth of the Southeast Asian market for U.S. corn and co-products are hard to...

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January 29, 2020

NCGA: USMCA a Win for Agriculture

National Corn Growers Association President Kevin Ross today declared President Trump’s signing...

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December 20, 2019

NCGA: House Passes USMCA, Delivers a Win for Agriculture

National Corn Growers Association President Kevin Ross today thanked members of the U.S. House...

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December 4, 2019

U.S.-Japan Trade Agreement Ratified

The Japanese Diet, the country’s legislative body, earlier today ratified the U.S.-Japan Trade...

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December 2, 2019

Corn Trade Is A Huge Driver of the U.S. Economy

Who you know and your relationship with them can make a big difference in many aspects of your...

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November 5, 2019

Tell Congress to Pass USMCA

Passing USMCA remains a top priority for farmers across the country and NCGA. With the end of...

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October 7, 2019

NCGA Joins President Trump for U.S.-Japan Trade Agreement Signing

NCGA President Kevin Ross today joined leaders of other farm and commodity groups at the White...

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September 25, 2019

Trade and Biofuels Offer Solution for Weak Ag Economy

Earlier this week, NCGA attended the Ag Outlook Forum in Kansas, City. Guests, including NCGA...

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September 18, 2019

NCGA Leaders Fly-In to Washington

NCGA State Executives, representing eleven state associations travelled to Washington, D.C. this...

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September 5, 2019

USMCA Must Be at the top of Fall Congressional Agenda

Congress returns to Washington next week and passage of the new U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement...

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August 26, 2019

NCGA Encouraged by U.S.-Japan Agreement in Principle

The National Corn Growers Association today welcomed the announcement that the United States and...

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August 23, 2019

NCGA Statement: USDA Trade Damage Calculations

National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) President Lynn Chrisp today made the following...

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July 25, 2019

NCGA Welcomes Progress on MFP, Looks Forward to Improved Program

National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) President Lynn Chrisp today made the following...

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July 18, 2019

NCGA Recognizes Senator Fischer with President’s Award

National Corn Growers Association President Lynn Chrisp today presented NCGA’s 2019 President’s...

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July 16, 2019

Trade School Focuses on Ongoing Trade Issues

More than 70 farmers, state staff and college students interested in agriculture yesterday...

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June 11, 2019

NCGA Joins Call for Ratification of USMCA

NCGA today joined more than 950 food and agriculture organizations representing to call on...

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May 31, 2019

NCGA Statement: Rethink New Tariffs on Mexican Imports

National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) President Lynn Chrisp made the following statement in...

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May 28, 2019

Key Trade Developments Discussed at U.S. Meat Export Federation Annual Spring Conference

The U.S. Meat Export Federation held their annual Spring Conference last week in Kansas City....

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May 23, 2019

NCGA Welcomes Trade Aid, Continues Call for Equitable Relief and Market Opportunities for Corn Farmers

The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) today welcomed the Trump Administration’s...

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May 21, 2019

Trade Tuesday: Tariff Lift Clear Barrier for USMCA

NCGA continues to celebrate World Trade Month and Friday’s announcement that the Section 232...

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May 17, 2019

NCGA Provides Trade Aid Recommendations to USDA

The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) today provided the U.S. Department of Agriculture...

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May 17, 2019

USMCA Roadblock Cleared

Leaders from the United States, Mexico and Canada today announced that a deal has been reached...

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May 15, 2019

Another Penny for Corn Farmers Won’t Cut It

We need your help. Friday’s announcement that the Trump Administration is increasing the...

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May 14, 2019

Trade Tuesday: Farmers Need Certainty

Friday’s announcement that the Trump Administration was moving forward to increase the tariff...

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May 7, 2019

Economic Analysis: Grain Exports Offer Billions in Benefits Beyond the Farm

A new study shows access to international export markets for U.S. grains supported nearly $38...

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May 1, 2019

World Trade Month

May is World Trade Month and NCGA is using the occasion to highlight the importance of trade for...

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April 25, 2019

USMCA Leads to New Market Opportunities

We know that ratifying USMCA will secure a $3.2 billion export market for corn farmers and...

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April 18, 2019

NCGA Statement: International Trade Commission Report on USMCA

National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) President Lynn Chrisp made the below statement today...

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April 17, 2019

USMCA: Market Access for U.S. Corn

By all accounts, the North American Free Trade Agreement has been a resounding success for...

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April 1, 2019

U.S. Farmers Support USMCA

Corn, soybean, wheat and sorghum growers recently joined together to announce their support for...

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March 25, 2019

China Purchases U.S. Corn

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service announced Friday an export...

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March 1, 2019

Leading Agriculture Organizations Endorse USMCA

The National Corn Growers Association, American Soybean Association, National Association of...

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January 25, 2019

MAIZALL Members Advocate for Innovation at the World Trade Organization

In a follow-up to its October 2018 meeting, five members of MAIZALL, the international maize...

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January 25, 2019

Off the Cob Talks Trade with Texas Farmer Bowers

Today on Off the Cob, meet Lindsey Bowers, a Texas farmer who also works as a grain merchandiser...

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January 23, 2019

Expanding Global Market Access for U.S. Corn

NCGA is committed to helping corn producers weather this tough economy by creating market...

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January 11, 2019

NCGA Communications Shine at NAMA Region II Awards

Yesterday, the National Corn Growers Association and its CommonGround were recognized for...

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December 18, 2018

The clock is ticking for registering for the Soil Health Summit, January 15-16 in St. Louis. For...

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November 30, 2018

NCGA: USMCA Signing an Important Step Forward

National Corn Growers Association President Lynn Chrisp today released the following statement...

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November 27, 2018

NCGA Submits U.S.-Japan Objectives to USTR

National Corn Growers Association President Lynn Chrisp yesterday submitted NCGA’s negotiating...

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November 20, 2018

NCGA Calls for More Equitable Trade Relief

National Corn Growers Association President Lynn Chrisp today urged U.S. Department of...

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November 8, 2018

MAIZALL Mission Emphasizes Importance of Agricultural Innovation

Agricultural innovation continues to develop rapidly, benefiting farmers who are able to grow...

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November 7, 2018

Commodity Leaders Join Forces on Sustainability Research

The National Pork Board (NPB), United Soybean Board (USB) and National Corn Growers Association...

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October 1, 2018

Corn Farmers Praise New US-Mexico-Canada Agreement

The National Corn Growers Association President Lynn Chrisp today released the following...

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September 27, 2018

NCGA Statement: United States-Japan Trade Negotiations

National Corn Growers Association President Kevin Skunes made the following statement on the...

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September 25, 2018

New KORUS Trade Agreement

President Trump on Monday signed the new United States-Republic of Korea Free Trade Agreement...

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August 31, 2018

Corn Farmers Need a Break

In The Hill Friday, NCGA President and North Dakota farmer Kevin Skunes shared the challenges...

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August 31, 2018

Trade, RFS Lead Conversations at Farm Progress Show

National Corn Growers Association farmer leaders and staff attended this week’s Farm Progress...

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August 28, 2018

Chinese Academy of Science Fellows Visit NCGA for Dialogue on Farming, Future of Corn

Last week, the National Corn Growers Association hosted a Chinese agricultural delegation for an...

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August 27, 2018

NCGA: USDA Trade Aid Won’t Make Up for Lost Markets

The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) today said plans unveiled by the U.S. Department of...

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August 27, 2018

Farmers Welcome Positive Trade Steps

The National Corn Growers Association President Kevin Skunes today released the following...

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July 24, 2018

NCGA Statement on USDA Trade Aid

North Dakota farmer Kevin Skunes, president of the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA),...

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June 18, 2018

Trade Policy Issue Heating Up with U.S. Farmers

If you have been following the roller coaster ride that is trade policy these days and are...

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June 14, 2018

Agriculture Associations Appeal to Congress: We Need #TradeNotTariffs

After weeks of engaging with the Trump Administration to gain insight into the future of trade...

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May 31, 2018

Tariffs Put U.S. Farmers in Jeopardy

North Dakota farmer Kevin Skunes, president of the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA),...

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April 17, 2018

Japan Shifting to Allow the Use of U.S. Ethanol

Earlier today, the U.S. Grains Council announced that Japan had finalized a change to the...

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April 12, 2018

NCGA Statement on House Ways and Means Committee Hearing on China Tariffs

The following is a statement from North Dakota farmer Kevin Skunes, president of the National...

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April 4, 2018

NCGA Statement on Proposed Tariffs and Trade with China

The following is a statement from Texas farmer Wesley Spurlock, chairman of the National Corn...

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March 8, 2018

NCGA Response to Trade Tariff Announcement

The National Corn Growers Association issued the following statement in response to the trade...

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January 18, 2018

New Coalition Advocates for North American Free Trade Agreement Preservation and Modernization

A broad-based group of over 30 organizations representing growers, refiners, producers,...

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December 14, 2017

Commodity Organizations Support Science-Based Trade Regulations at WTO Ministerial

Members of the U.S. Grains Council (USGC), U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC), U.S. Wheat...

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December 7, 2017

USGC, NCGA Celebrate Four Decades and Counting of Successful Trade with South Korea

More than four decades of partnership and a free trade agreement have benefitted agribusinesses...

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December 7, 2017

Mexican Market Is Growing, But Will the U.S. Capture That Demand?

Mexican Market Is Growing, But Will the U.S. Capture That Demand? Increasing demand in...

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December 7, 2017

NAFTA: A Win for Corn Farmers & the U.S. Economy

Farmers and ranchers across the country took to Twitter on Wednesday to let the President and...

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November 30, 2017

USGC, NCGA Officers And CEOs Reiterate Support For Trade In South Korea, Mexico

The leaders of the U.S. Grains Council (USGC) and National Corn Growers Association (NCGA)...

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September 22, 2017

NCGA Action Team and Committees Announced for FY 2018

NCGA Action Team and Committees Announced for FY 2018 The National Corn Growers Association...

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September 11, 2017

Trade Teams Reinforce Importance of South Korean Market

Trade teams from South Korea have met face-to-face with U.S. farmers and grain suppliers in...

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August 8, 2017

MAIZALL Moves Forward in Collaborative Work for Corn Farmers

Last month, a delegation from the International Maize Alliance (MAIZALL), including NCGA Past...

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July 27, 2017

Corn Farmers Call for Faster Access to New Technology

Farmers attending last week’s National Corn Growers Association Corn Congress called for faster...

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June 27, 2017

Skunes Testifies on NAFTA at USTR Hearing

The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) is critical for corn farmers and agriculture at...

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June 16, 2017

NCGA Statement on Changes to U.S.-Cuba Policy

The following is a statement from Texas farmer Wesley Spurlock, president of the National Corn...

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June 12, 2017

Trade Agreements a Good Deal for U.S. Feed Grains

Trade equals huge success for exports of U.S. feed grains in all forms, particularly to the 20...

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May 18, 2017

Mexican Grain Team in Nebraska, D.C.: NAFTA Is a Good Deal for U.S. Agriculture

U.S. agricultural exports to Mexico have quintupled since the ink dried on the North American...

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May 18, 2017

NCGA Statement on NAFTA Modernization

Today U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer formally notified Congress of the Trump...

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May 16, 2017

Ricketts, Ag Groups Highlight Importance of U.S.-Mexico Trade Relationship

The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) has been a boon for America’s farmers and...

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May 12, 2017

U.S. Ethanol Weighs in on Proposed Canadian Fuel Standard

The Canadian government has set an aggressive goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 30...

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May 11, 2017

USDA Reorganization Will Build Global Demand for U.S. Ag Products

Today, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced the creation of a USDA Under...

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May 11, 2017

Celebrate National Trade Month in May

Join the National Corn Growers Association and the U.S. Grains Council in highlighting...

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May 9, 2017

Free Trade, Relationships Key to Market Competitiveness in South Korea

Recent events in foreign policy and the ongoing conversation about the value of U.S. trade...

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May 9, 2017

CREAATE Act Would Bolster Investment in Ag Trade

The National Corn Growers Association, along with the Coalition to Promote U.S. Agricultural...

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April 27, 2017

NCGA Urges White House: Don't Withdraw from NAFTA

The National Corn Growers Association today denounced reports that the White House has drafted...

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April 25, 2017

DDGS a Win-Win for U.S. and Mexican Producers

Selling 50 metric tons of U.S. distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS) may seem minor, but...

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April 3, 2017

USGC Chairman: Mexican Buyers Need to Hear Supportive Farmer Voices

U.S. grain farmers are voicing their support and appreciation for trade with Mexico, a message...

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February 16, 2017

U.S. Grains Council, Panama Canal Authority Sign MOU Before Canal Tour

More than 350 attendees had a firsthand look at the new Panama Canal expansion on Monday to kick...

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February 7, 2017

Talking Trade: Trade Has Served the United States Well

By the Numbers $1.5 trillion: Increase in real incomes due to liberalizing trade efforts...

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January 28, 2017

Trump Administration Takes Early Trade Action â€“ And What It Means for U.S. Grains

Newly-inaugurated President Donald Trump has already followed through with key campaign promises...

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January 24, 2017

Stronger Demand Leads to Brisk Exports of U.S. Grains

Exports of U.S. feed grains have a promising outlook after the completion of the first quarter...

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October 21, 2016

U.S. Corn Ethanol Can Help Japan Reach GHG Reduction Targets

A study recently released by the U.S. Grains Council, of which the National Corn Growers...

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