Iowa Corn Farmers Advocate for Policy Priorities at Corn Congress 

Earlier this week, Iowa Corn Growers Association® (ICGA) farmer-leaders attended the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) Corn Congress meetings to advocate for key agricultural issues and priorities. 

Throughout their visits, Iowa corn farmers advocated for nationwide, year-round passage of E15, expressed need for increased trade sharing the current economic value the trade of U.S. corn and corn products has within the nation and highlighted concerns around the MAHA movement and its potential impact on pesticide use, a tool farmers need as they continue producing corn that is relied on around the world.  

Iowa farmer-leaders met with each member of the Iowa Congressional Delegation’s office including Senators Ernst and Grassley and Representatives Feenstra, Hinson, Miller-Meeks and Nunn. In addition to the Iowa offices, farmers met with congressional offices from across the country who do not have an established corn grower organization they can connect with to share how corn and ethanol impact their state and our country. 

“Even though the Iowa Corn Growers Association is a state organization, it is still imperative that we take the issues we are facing on our farms in Iowa to our legislators on Capitol Hill,” said Stu Swanson, ICGA President and farmer from Galt, Iowa. “Corn farmers from other parts of the U.S. are facing the same issues we face, so when we can come together and collectively advocate for issues like passage of nationwide E15, increased market access, an updated farm bill, etc., we amplify our voices. While in DC, we’re not only meeting with the Iowa delegation but also with legislators and staff from across the U.S. who may not be aware of the challenges agriculture is currently facing. The opportunity to meet with these individuals one-on-one allows us to share our stories and enact real changes that impact all corn farmers.” 

Corn Congress attendees also met with the White House, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) and the Department of Justice (DOJ). NCGA’s ‘Not a Latte’ event was held on Capitol Hill for Members of Congress and their staff to hear more about the use of pesticides from the farmers who use them. The event was well attended, highlighting that farmers use less than 16 oz of pesticides – less than a morning latte – per acre (roughly the size of a football field) on their fields. 

Additionally, Iowa farmers met with other state and NCGA farmer leaders to discuss policy they would like to see the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) implement and establish at the federal level. For more information on ICGA’s policy priorities, visit iowacorn.org. 

For More Information:

Sydney Garrett, Public Relations Manager, sgarrett@iowacorn.org, 515-225-9242