Five Questions for NCGA’s New Board President

By Lesly McNitt

This month, Michigan farmer Matt Frostic began his term as board president for the National Corn Growers Association. Like all presidents, Matt will serve a one-year term as leader of the organization. I have enjoyed getting to know Matt over the years, and I have seen his commitment to this organization and its members firsthand. I recently asked Matt five questions to help my readers learn more about his background and his goals for the organization.

Questions

Q: Matt, tell us about yourself and your farm.

A: My wife Traci and I live near Applegate, Michigan, where we farm 1,000 acres of corn, soybeans, edible beans and sugar beets. We also own approximately 400 head of beef cattle. My three grown daughters, one of whom just got married, and my grandchildren live in the same area. And my mother and father live next to Traci and me. We are a close-knit family and spend a lot of time together. In fact, my sons-in-law help with the farm. We care deeply for one another, and our faith is a defining feature of our lives. 

Q: Tell us about your experience in leadership.

A: I am that rare introvert who enjoys getting out and meeting people and serving my community and fellow farmers. So, I have spent years engaged in advocacy in Michigan and on the national stage. In addition to filling the role as first vice president on the board of the National Corn Growers Association this last year, I also served as chair of the NCGA Input Cost Task Force, which has been examining the factors that are driving higher production costs and attempting to identify what can be done about them. I have chaired other NCGA committees, as well, and served as liaison to the Market Development Action Team, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and NCGA’s CornPAC. I am also a former board president of the Michigan Corn Growers Association.

Q: What are your policy priorities over the next year?

A: My top priority this year is passage of legislation that allows for the year-round sale of fuels with 15% ethanol blends, often referred to as E15. Under the Renewable Fuel Standard, drivers already have access to 10% ethanol blends. They can also access E15 much of the year, which is good because higher blends of ethanol reduce gas prices, help farmers, lift the rural economy and shore up the nation’s energy security. But because of an outdated policy, E15 cannot be sold during the summer unless the Environmental Protection Agency issues a waiver allowing for it. Corn growers have worked for years to change this but have unfortunately come up short. This year has been more promising. The U.S. House of Representatives passed a standalone bill this year, which was followed by a farm bill with similar language that was passed out of the Senate Agriculture Committee. But Congress is in recess, and the midterm elections are quickly approaching, so we are going to have to act fast if we are going to get this legislation passed and signed into law.

Looking ahead, I want to continue my work examining the causes contributing to high input costs, as that is a critical issue for farmers across the country. Renewal of the United States Mexico Canada Agreement is also a priority, as is pushing to expand markets through our 10-10-10 strategy, ensuring 10% market share across three major emerging sectors: maritime fuels, sustainable aviation fuel and bioeconomy products.

Q. Will the current tough tone and tenor of Washington impact these goals at all?

A: Our biggest obstacle right now, at least as it relates to E15, is time. There has been progress in passing the legislation in the House and Senate. But there are only so many days left this year. Congress is in recess until after the midterm elections. After that, we will have a very short period to get E15 legislation passed. So, we are continuing to work hard and push for passage now. Time is of the essence.

Q: How can growers help with this advocacy work?

A: I would encourage growers to make sure that they join NCGA and our state corn grower groups. That’s the best way to get plugged into our advocacy efforts. I would also encourage them to sign up for NCGA’s advocacy alerts, which will allow them to weigh in with policymakers on issues of import. They can do that by going to www.ncga.com and visiting the action center. We need them and their voices.

We look forward to working with Matt over the next year to accomplish major wins for corn growers. And hopefully our readers will follow our work on our website at www.ncga.com. Here’s to a new presidency. Cheers, Matt!

McNitt is the vice president of public policy at the National Corn Growers Association.