Iowa Corn Growers Association Releases Top State and Federal Policy Priorities for 2017

The Iowa Corn Growers Association (ICGA), one of the most effective, longest-standing agricultural associations in the country, which serves as the collective voice for Iowa corn farmers and lobbying on agricultural issues, released today its final list of state and federal policy priorities for the upcoming year.

“Our dedicated members engage in policy development to establish the goals and priorities each year to aid in the success of the corn industry,” said ICGA President Kurt Hora a farmer from Washington. “We create a list of top issues from our nearly 7,500 corn farmer members and lobby for changes and defend policy that impact our farms. I cannot wait to see what we accomplish this coming year.”

2017 ICGA state priorities, listed in alphabetical order:

• Conservation/Water Quality – Long term, increased funding for Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy

• Livestock – Support the livestock industry and existing laws regulating livestock operations

• Renewable Fuels – Obtain funding for Iowa’s biofuels infrastructure cost-share program (RFIP)

• Research – Increased funding for ISU Experiment Station/long term agricultural research

• Taxes – Full state coupling of the federal Section 179 small business expensing provision

2017 ICGA federal priorities, listed in alphabetical order:

• Environment – Defend against burdensome environmental regulations

• Ethanol – Retain the Renewable Fuel Standard

• Farm Bill – Protect crop insurance funding

• Trade – Expand bilateral and multi-lateral trade agreements

• Trade – Protect funding for Market Access Program (MAP) and Foreign Market Development (FMD)

 “ICGA provides several opportunities to members throughout the year to get engaged and voice their opinion on different issues. If you have not been before, then I encourage you to join us at a Day on the Hill or at your local roundtable,” stated Hora. “Finally, if you are not a member of ICGA, I encourage you to join us today and get engaged on issues impacting your farm.”

The complete 2017 policy resolution book is available on the website or in hard copy for free upon request by emailing corninfo@iowacorn.org or calling 515-225-9242.

###

The Iowa Corn Growers Association (ICGA) is an 7,800-member strong grassroots-driven organization, headquartered in Johnston, Iowa, serving members across the state, and lobbying on agricultural issues