Farmer-leaders kick off spring fly-in
Today, the Minnesota Corn Growers Association (MCGA) farmer leadership team kicked off its annual spring fly-in event in Washington, D.C. Over the next few days, farmer-leaders will meet with members of Congress and the Trump administration to highlight MCGA’s federal policy priorities.
During meetings, farmer-leaders will highlight the difficult economic conditions facing corn farmers, including low crop prices, high input costs and interest rates, tightening credit, record trade deficits, and an outdated farm safety net. They’ll thank members of Congress for including economic and disaster relief in the Continuing Resolution this past December, and they’ll urge passage of a strong Farm Bill that improves the farm safety net, particularly under the Commodity and Crop Insurance Titles.
Read more: Details of USDA’s Emergency Commodity Assistance Program announced
Additionally, farmer-leaders will highlight the importance of robust trade markets to corn farmers. They’ll note how exports of corn add over $3 billion in economic output to Minnesota’s economy and how Canada and Mexico are the state’s largest export markets for corn, DDGS, and ethanol.
Another focus for farmer leaders will be urging support for biofuels in achieving U.S. energy independence. Farmer-leaders will note how renewable fuels lower fuel prices, reduce emissions, shore up U.S. energy security, and create economic growth and jobs on Main Street. They’ll urge robust Renewable Volume Obligations under the Renewable Fuel Standard and support for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), including the continuation of the 45Z tax credit. SAF is an invaluable market that will aid in the domestic demand for corn via the aviation sector, create high-paying jobs, and boost farm income across the country.
MCGA looks forward to productive conversations with lawmakers over the next few days and thanks our grower-leaders and partners at Combest, Sell & Associates for their advocacy on behalf of family farmers. You can learn more about MCGA’s policy priorities at mncorn.org/advocacy.
