Corn Refiners Praise Bipartisan Agreement On USMCA

Following months of grassroots advocacy efforts, the Corn Refiners Association (CRA) today praised the bipartisan agreement announced between Congress and the Trump Administration to move forward with a vote and expected passage of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).

 

“Today’s announced agreement on USMCA puts America one step closer to strengthening our farm and agriculture economy and securing vital market access for U.S. farmers, ranchers and agri-businesses,” said CRA President and CEO John Bode.  “With Mexico and Canada representing the two largest markets for refined corn products totaling more than $900 million in yearly exports, we urge Congress to swiftly pass this deal that is critical to the success of American businesses, farmers and workers.”

 

Once implemented, USMCA will secure existing market opportunities, provide enhanced market access for dairy, poultry and eggs; establish modern, science-based sanitary and phytosanitary standards that are the gold standard for future trade agreements; and simplify customs procedures.

 

As a member of the USMCA Coalition, which includes more than 200 companies and associations representing farmers and ranchers, manufacturers, service providers and technology companies, CRA has played a leading role in growing grassroots support for this important trade agreement. For example, CRA and other food industry leaders have promoted advocacy efforts among food and beverage industry workers that have resulted in nearly 14,000 letters to Congress urging USMCA ratification.

 

 

 

Video: Dicamba Returns for Georgia Farmers: What the New EPA Ruling Means for Cotton Growers

After being unavailable in 2024 due to registration issues, dicamba products are returning for Georgia farmers this growing season — but under strict new conditions.

In this report from Tifton, Extension Weed Specialist Stanley Culpepper explains the updated EPA ruling, including new application limits, mandatory training requirements, and the need for a restricted use pesticide license. Among the key changes: a cap of two ½-pound applications per year and the required use of an approved volatility reduction agent with every application.

For Georgia cotton producers, the ruling is significant. According to Taylor Sills with the Georgia Cotton Commission, the vast majority of cotton planted in the state carries the dicamba-tolerant trait — meaning farmers had been paying for technology they couldn’t use.

While environmental groups have expressed concerns over spray drift, Georgia growers have reduced off-target pesticide movement by more than 91% over the past decade. Still, this two-year registration period will come with increased scrutiny, making stewardship and compliance more important than ever.