Policy Center

Corn Caucus Project Releases Report Card Rating Candidate Views on Ag Issues

(Nov. 30, 2011) The National Corn Growers Association and the Iowa Corn Growers Association have released a tool to help voters quickly determine where candidates stand on a variety of agricultural issues.

Aimed at keeping corn farmers informed and engaged in the political process during the 2012 presidential campaign, the Corn Caucus report card and accompanying information offer succinct information gathered through a survey of major candidates on issues relating to NCGA’s legislative priorities.

“While NCGA does not endorse any candidate, we do work to educate voters on candidate stances on the issues affecting farming,” said NCGA Grower Services Action Team Chair Brandon Hunnicutt. “Similar to other industries, agriculture has many areas that are touched by government activities. The information made available through the Corn Caucus project is a valuable tool for anyone considering how a candidate’s views might eventually impact many areas of their operation.”

This year, the survey looked at candidate views on ethanol, farm programs, trade, the Environmental Protection Agency and transportation. Awarding each candidate a letter grade for their farm-friendliness in subcategories of each area, the final report card offers insight into the strengths and weaknesses of candidate positions on agriculture.

Click here to view the Corn Caucus Project Report Card.

Results of the 2011 Lifetime Member Farm Policy Survey

2011 Bill Watch

Transportation

08.10.11 KyCGA Applauds USDOT Commitment to No New Regulations for Agriculture
08.03.11 Comments Submitted on Guidance for Farm Vehicles

Ethanol

07.07.11 NCGA Appreciates Bipartisan Work on Senate Ethanol Compromise
06.16.11 NCGA Disappointed Politics Trumped Policy on Ethanol Vote
06.14.11 NCGA Appreciates Senators Standing Up for Rural America in Coburn Vote
06.13.11 NCGA Supports Thune, Klobuchar Legislation to Reform Ethanol Industry

KyCGA Position on Eliminating Ethanol Incentives

Foreign Trade Agreements

10.12.11 NCGA Praises Congress’ Passage of Korea, Colombia and Panama FTAs
10.03.11 NCGA Applauds White House for Sending FTAs, Asks Congress to Move Swiftly
06.28.11 NCGA Applauds Movement on Pending FTAs

Environment

H.R. 872, the Reducing Regulatory Burdens Act of 2011 (NPDES)
12.13.11 - Senators Send Letter Requesting Action on H.R. 872
11.01.11 - NCGA Disappointed Senate Did Not Act Before Deadline on NPDES Legislation
06.21.11 - The KyCGA today commended the Senate Ag Committee for their swift action to move H.R. 872, the Reducing Regulatory Burdens Act of 2011, for a full Senate vote. This legislation states National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits are not required when applying pesticides according to their EPA approved label. For most of the past four decades, water quality concerns from pesticide applications were addressed within the registration process under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), rather than a Clean Water Act permitting program. H.R. 872 amends both the Clean Water Act and FIFRA in order to restore the previous regulatory framework. Under a federal court ruling in 2009, pesticide applicators would have to apply for an NPDES permit if the chemical reaches a body of water, which could include ditches and culverts. While NPDES permits will not provide any additional environmental benefits, the complex new requirements will expose farmers to potential citizen action suits for something as simple as paperwork violations. The House passed the measure the end of March.