NCGA Reaffirms Strong Support of RFS in Light of Renewed Attacks

This week, a group of House members introduced legislation calling for changes to the renewable fuel standard. Led by Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.), the legislation, called the "RFS Reform Act," would eliminate the corn-based ethanol requirements and would cap the amount of ethanol that can be blended into conventional gasoline at 10 percent. It would require the EPA to set cellulosic biofuel levels at production levels. National Corn Growers Association President Pam Johnson, a farmer from Floyd, Iowa, issued the following statement in response to this legislation on behalf of the organization and the 300,000 corn farmers which it represents:

"NCGA stands firm in its support of the Renewable Fuel Standard and will strongly oppose legislation to alter or repeal the RFS.

"In 2005, Congress originally passed the RFS to enhance energy security, reduce consumer fuel prices by diversifying our energy portfolio, create jobs and stimulate economic activity, and improve the environment. The legislation has succeeded in achieving these goals and provides real benefits to the American public.

"Since 2005, oil import dependence has fallen from 60.3 percent to 45 percent in 2011. Additionally, the ethanol industry contributed more than $42 billion to the nation's gross domestic product in 2011, generated nearly $30 billion in household income and saved consumers a minimum of 25 cents per gallon at the pump.

"Close analysis of claims that ethanol production, and thus the RFS, drive up consumer food costs prove false. While some sectors of the nation's food supply have seen price increases over the past year, many other sectors which also rely on corn, including milk, turkey and pork prices, have fallen.

"The RFS has helped rebuild rural America, allowing our children to come back to the farm and supporting many businesses in our communities.

"America's corn farmers stand strong against this attack on the RFS and urge our representatives in the House to join us in opposing this legislation. The RFS has made significant progress toward a more economically, environmentally, energy secure future. We must stay the course"

Co-sponsors include Reps. Jim Costa (D-Calif.), Steve Womack (R-Ark.) and Peter Welch (D-Vt.).

NCGA Supports Japan Joining Trans-Pacific Partnership

NCGA applauds today's announcement that the United States has concluded preliminary consultations to approve Japan's participation in Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiations. Japan announced its intention to join TPP last month. Since November 2011, U.S. negotiators have held discussions with Japan regarding the comprehensive, high-standard agreement.

Japan must secure the approval of all current TPP members before it can participate in future rounds of talks. NCGA has consistently expressed support for Japan joining TPP negotiations as a full partner. In March, NCGA joined more than 70 agriculture organizations to send a letter to President Barack Obama urging the administration to work with Japan to facilitate Japan's full participation in the Trans Pacific Partnership.

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Farmer Assurance Provision Does Protect America's Family Farmers

On March 27, President Obama signed into law a bill funding the federal government for the remainder of the fiscal year. This appropriations bill included a provision to mitigate the effects of repeated and future procedural lawsuits from anti-biotechnology activists aimed at driving that technology from the marketplace. Section 735 of the bill was widely supported by many in agriculture including the National Corn Growers Association.

Since the Farmer Assurance Provision was signed into law, it has faced attacks in the media which have been largely based on a mischaracterization of its provisions. Off the Cob spoke with NCGA Trade Policy and Biotechnology Action Team Chair Jim Zimmerman to find out what this provision accomplishes, why it is important and how it will protect America's corn farmers.

To listen to the full interview, click here.

NCGA Congratulates "Champion for Change" Fred Yoder

NCGA congratulates Past President Fred Yoder today as he is recognized by President Obama as a "Champion for Change." The official recognition, which takes place in the White House on a weekly basis, honors 12 ordinary Americans are doing extraordinary things in their communities to out-innovate, out-educate, and out-build the rest of the world.

"As we take action to reduce carbon pollution and speed the transition to more sustainable sources of energy, we must also take action to prepare for the impacts of climate change we are already seeing, including more frequent and severe extreme weather," said Nancy Sutley, Chair of the White House Council on Environmental Quality. "This week, we look forward to welcoming Champions of Change who are doing smart, innovative work to protect the health, safety and prosperity of their communities in the face of climate change."

For the full story, click here.