Advocating for Corn Growers: The ICGA PAC

For the agriculture sector, policy and regulations can make or break our success and ultimately the ability to do our jobs at all. The ICGA Political Action Committee (PAC) was formed to endorse candidates who support and advocate for corn farmer priorities. The ICGA PAC is widely recognized and respected for its nonpartisan approach to effective corn grower advocacy that achieves the policy objectives of Iowa’s corn growers.

THE ICGA PAC STRUCTURE

The Iowa Corn PAC is comprised of 10 members appointed by the ICGA President. Members include one representative from each of the nine crop reporting districts and one ICGA board member serving as committee chair.

The committee is divided equally between Democrats, Republicans and Independents. Committee members must be able to evaluate candidates objectively, regardless of party affiliation, and all decisions must be supported by a majority vote which ensures endorsements are non-partisan.

A COMMITTEE WITH A MISSION: CORN GROWER ADVOCACY

The PAC is an important and necessary tool in the political process. This committee reinforces the value of lobbying efforts on behalf of policies that matter to farmer members.

Voluntary ICGA PAC contributions amplify ICGA member voices to educate and influence policy decisions made at the state and federal level. Participation is key to ensuring that agriculture issues are heard and opportunities for corn growers are realized

HOW THE PAC WORKS AS A CORN GROWER ADVOCACY TOOL

Grassroots members help guide and establish ICGA legislative policies and priorities. It is these ICGA legislative priorities that serve as the criteria the PAC uses to make candidate endorsements.

The committee is recognized and respected for its non-partisan approach to achieving the policy objectives for Iowa corn growers by supporting lawmakers who work to implement ICGA legislative priorities.

The PAC contributes monetary donations to select political leaders who have demonstrated their support in helping our policy goals. The ICGA PAC provides members with another tool to educate and influence policy decisions made at the state and federal levels.

Endorsements and political contribution decisions are non-partisan and based on candidate voting records that support ICGA legislative policies. Candidate positions are determined by a written candidate survey, voting records and careful research.

DECIDING THE IOWA CORN PAC FOCUS

ICGA members determine PAC policy priorities by participating in the following:

• The annual policy survey every spring.
• Face-to-face roundtables in every crop reporting district each June.
• A final policy vote and prioritization of issues at the Annual Grassroots Summit every September.

Our ICCGA legislative policy priorities are based solely on member participation, which is why we strongly encourage attendance at as many events as possible to share your voice. From U.S. ethanol policy to federal tax policy to farm bill priorities, your advocacy shapes our priorities.

ICGA PAC FUNDING & HOW TO GET INVOLVED

Voluntary contributions can be accepted from any U.S. citizen. However, solicitation for PAC contributions is limited to ICGA members. Participation is key to ensuring that agriculture issues can be solved.

ICGA membership dues and Iowa corn checkoff dollars are both separately collected and are in no way related to PAC contributions. Again, ICGA membership dues and corn checkoff dollars are NEVER used as PAC contributions.

In fact, it is illegal for the ICGA, a nonprofit organization, to contribute to the PAC or candidates directly and checkoff dollars are not allowed under Iowa Code to ever be used for any lobbying efforts or PAC related business.

Ultimately, you make the choice in the voting booth. The job of the ICGA PAC is to help you know which candidates are on your side as a corn farmer. Learn more about the PAC and how to contribute to this important tool.