Feb 28, 2023
Senators to Biden: Direct EPA to Prevent Disruption in Consumer Access to E15Key Issues: Ethanol
Author: Bryan Goodman
A group of bipartisan U.S. senators, led by Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), sent a letter today asking President Biden to direct the Environmental Protection Agency to use existing authority to prevent the disruption of sales of E15, often marketed as Unleaded 88, again this summer. NCGA expressed strong support for the senators’ request and urged the Biden administration to take this needed action to bring certainty to the fuel marketplace. “We appreciate the senators getting ahead of the problem and proposing a solution to prevent a disruption in E15 availability this summer,” said NCGA President Tom Haag. “Ensuring continued availability of low-cost, low-emission E15 increases our domestic supply in the face of ongoing global energy uncertainty. The Biden administration took the same action last year, successfully boosting the fuel supply while lowering costs for drivers. We support the senators’ timely request for this no-cost energy security...
Read MoreFeb 22, 2023
Neil Caskey Named CEO of National Corn Growers AssociationAuthor: Bryan Goodman
Neil Caskey, a long-time professional in the agricultural arena, has been tapped to lead the National Corn Growers Association as its new CEO, according to the organization’s board of directors. Caskey will assume the role on Monday, February 27. NCGA board members say they are pleased to name someone of Caskey’s caliber to the top job. “Neil’s experience in agriculture is extensive, and he is well known as someone who gets the job done well,” said NCGA President Tom Haag. “The board and I are certain that Neil will usher in new ideas and take the organization to new heights.” Caskey has served as NCGA’s vice president of communications and industry relations for over four years and spent over a decade promoting agricultural issues as executive vice president at OBP Agency, a leading advertising and public relations firm. His professional background also includes work for the American Soybean Association and as a legislative aide for a U.S. member of Congress. Caskey...
Read MoreFeb 22, 2023
Coalition Releases Farm Bill Policy Recommendations to Help Create Economic Opportunities and Address Climate ChangeKey Issues: SustainabilityFarm Bill
Author: Bryan Goodman
The Food and Agriculture Climate Alliance today released policy recommendations for the 2023 farm bill. The National Corn Growers Association serves on the alliance’s steering committee and was active in the development of the recommendations. NCGA said that the report couldn’t have come at a better time. “Corn growers are committed to helping advance a farm bill this year,” said NCGA President Tom Haag. “These recommendations will help members of Congress working on the farm bill understand the types of voluntary conservation and climate policies that can support growers and help us maximize our stewardship efforts.” FACA’s recommendations, developed by the 23-member Steering Committee, are divided into six categories: Conservation, risk management and credit Energy Food waste Forestry Livestock and dairy Research, extension and innovation The farm bill is essential legislation that impacts not only farmers but every family in America and has enormous...
Read MoreFeb 14, 2023
As Mexico Implements New Decree, NCGA Amplifies Call for Biden Administration to Initiate Dispute Settlement Under USMCAKey Issues: Trade
Author: Bryan Goodman
Mexico officials issued a new decree on Monday calling for a ban on imports of biotech corn used for certain purposes, effective today. The decree also indicated the Mexican government would continue to allow imports of biotech corn used as animal feed while exploring substitutes. NCGA expressed serious concern with the accelerated implementation timeline. “The Biden administration has been more than patient with Mexico as U.S. officials have sought to enforce a rules-based trading system and stand up for American farmers,” said National Corn Growers Association President Tom Haag. “The integrity of USMCA, signed by Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador himself, is at stake. Singling out corn – our number one ag export to Mexico – and hastening an import ban on numerous food-grade uses makes USMCA a dead letter unless it’s enforced.” President López Obrador initiated a decree in late 2020 that would ban imports of biotech corn effective January 31, 2024. The Biden...
Read MoreFeb 13, 2023
NCGA to EPA: Higher Renewable Fuel Volumes Good for Economy, Energy Security and EnvironmentKey Issues: EthanolHigh-Octane Low-Carbon
Author: Bryan Goodman
Higher renewable fuel volumes over the next three years would go a long way in improving energy security, lowering gas prices and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, according to recent comments the National Corn Growers Association submitted to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The Renewable Fuel Standard, or RFS, requires that U.S. transportation fuel contain a minimum volume of renewable fuel each year. NCGA’s comments were in response to EPA’s proposed volume requirements for 2023, 2024 and 2025. “NCGA supports EPA’s proposal of annual increases in volumes, including an implied conventional biofuel volume of 15.25 billion gallons, and recognition that ethanol plays a critical role in cutting GHG emissions and our energy security,” stated NCGA President Tom Haag in the comments. “With continued pressure on energy security and costs, and the need to accelerate GHG emission reductions, however, biofuels can contribute even more. We ask EPA to continue working with us...
Read MoreFeb 6, 2023
EP. 41 - Holding the Line Against Mexico’s Decree: NCGA’s Capitol Hill BriefingKey Issues: Trade
Author: Dusty Weis
The unnecessary ban on biotech corn would take effect next year, cost 32,000 U.S. jobs annually, and worsen food insecurity in Mexico. A major disruption to the market for U.S. corn is set to take effect in one year, as a decree by Mexico’s President would ban the import of GMO corn effective January 31, 2024. Historically, Mexico is the number one market for U.S. corn, and so it should surprise no one that the NCGA has been active in pushing back, with strong support from the Biden administration in Washington. NCGA is urging the administration to hold the line and file a dispute settlement under the USMCA to hold Mexico accountable to their obligations under that trade agreement. In order to build awareness of the issue in Congress, on January 31 NCGA held a well-attended briefing for Congressional staffers with an all-star panel of experts: Congressman Adrian Smith from Nebraska, chair of the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Trade Acting Deputy...
Read MoreFeb 1, 2023
NCGA to Corn Growers: 2022 Census of Agriculture Due Next Week Feb. 6Key Issues: Farm Policy
Author: Bryan Goodman
The National Corn Growers Association is reminding corn growers that the deadline to respond to the 2022 Census of Agriculture is Monday, Feb. 6. Producers can respond online at agcounts.usda.gov or by mail. NASS mailed the Census of Agriculture questionnaires to every known ag producer in the U.S. and Puerto Rico. Conducted just once every five years, the ag census provides a complete account of the nation’s farms and ranches and the people who operate them. The Census of Agriculture informs decisions about policy, programs, rural development, research, and more. The survey results are the only source of uniform, comprehensive, and impartial agriculture data for every state, county and U.S. territory. U.S. farm operations of all sizes, urban and rural, which produced and sold, or normally would have sold, $1,000 or more of agricultural products in 2022, are included. NASS will release the results of the ag census in 2024. Visit nass.usda.gov/agcensus, for more...
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