Advocacy Works: Corn Grower Leaders Reflect on Efforts Leading to Dispute Settlement Request (Wed, 07 Jun 2023)
As the U.S. Trade Representative takes next steps on a dispute settlement request with Mexico over biotech corn, corn grower leaders across the country are reflecting on a months-long advocacy campaign that paid off for the nation’s farmers. “We began sounding the alarms about the ban last fall, because we knew the decree would have a devastating impact on U.S. corn growers and rural communities,” said National Corn Growers Association President Tom Haag. “We were working with members of Congress, engaging the media and meeting with the Biden administration. Thanks to these efforts, we were able to make a strong case that the U.S. government needed to intervene in this matter.” The concerns by U.S. farmers stem from a 2020 decree by Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador that sought to ban imports of biotech corn beginning in January 2024. Mexico issued a revised decree in February of this year that banned biotech corn for human consumption, effective immediately, and left the door open for a future ban on all biotech corn. NCGA President Tom Haag makes the case for government action during an interview on Fox Business. Since Mexico is a top market for corn and the number one agricultural export from the U.S., NCGA and state corn grower leaders have made this issue a top priority. As an example of their efforts, NCGA and state corn grower leaders: •Appeared in major media outlets, such as Reuters, Wall Street Journal, the Hill and on Fox News to make their case that action was needed. •Engaged corn grower allies in Congress to ensure they were speaking out on the issue with the Biden administration, in the press and in committee hearings. •Held a briefing for members of Congress and their staff to emphasize the impact to U.S. producers. •Ensured the concerns of state-based corn growers were heard by the Biden administration. The media have largely credited NCGA and state corn grower leaders for their advocacy efforts on advancing this issue. “After months of pressure last fall from the National Corn Growers Association and farm-state members of Congress, the Biden administration sent Mexico a formal, written request on Jan. 30 asking it to justify its proposed biotechnology measures,” a Politico reporter noted shortly after the announcement was made. Now that a dispute settlement request is underway, NCGA and state corn grower leaders will be working closely with USTR as it makes its next steps.

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Dreaming of Getting Away? NCGA Makes Summer Vacations Reality with Member Discounts (Mon, 05 Jun 2023)
Are you dreaming of getting away this summer? Members of the National Corn Growers Association can save on travel by using exclusive discounts. Through partnerships with Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Bass Pro Shop/Cabela’s and the Worldwide Hotel Discount Program, NCGA offers members valuable savings that help them see the sights whether they travel across the country, around the world or on a staycation, NCGA can save you money! “NCGA works hard to increase opportunities for farmers in the marketplace, but we also strive to offer a wide array of benefits to our members,” said NCGA Member and Consumer Engagement Chair Dan Nerud. “Summer vacations often build memories that last a lifetime, and we want to provide discounts that make these magical moments more affordable.” The exclusive NCGA Worldwide Hotel Discount Program allows NCGA members, their friends and their families access to a worldwide inventory of hotels at exclusive discounted rates. Now, in addition to saving on their stay, members can save on seeing world class attractions, local favorites and even on amusement park tickets to make their memories magic. Whether travelling for work or pleasure, individually or in a group, domestically or abroad, members can take advantage of savings that may exceed 50 percent and average about 15 percent below publicly offered best available rates. Members can also save on car rentals when using the NCGA discount offered through the organization’s partnership with Enterprise Rent-A- Car. This benefit offers an average discount of five percent on rental fees at Enterprise neighborhood offices and 10 percent on rentals from their airport locations. By using the benefits NCGA offers, members can purchase Cabela’s gift cards at a 12% discount. NCGA members may purchase cards by calling the national office at 636-733-5520. To find out more about how to access these discounts and explore the full array of benefits available to NCGA members, click here.

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