Corn Growers See Positive Points In President's Address

The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) said that President Obama's state of the union address last night was generally positive on points that affect its membership, including potential to expand trade agreements and continued support for corn-based ethanol. The following points are from a press release issued by NCGA today:

• Trade: Specifically, NCGA Chairman Darrin Ihnen cited President Obama’s mention of three free trade agreements important to the organization: South Korea, Panama and Colombia. “We need quick action on these three agreements, which have been languishing in Washington for years,” Ihnen said. “These agreements will help our country’s economy by increasing exports and creating sorely-needed jobs.
  
• Biofuels: President Obama mentioned biofuels as part of a plan to “break” dependence on oil, and called for more research and incentives. “The success of all biofuels hinges on the success of ethanol from corn – on the growth of an ethanol industry that is leading the way, sustainably increasing in economic, environmental and energy efficiency,” Ihnen said.