The Iowa Corn Growers Association® (ICGA) hosted the Annual Grassroots Summit where ICGA delegates set the direction for state and federal policy priorities for the coming year. During the Grassroots Summit, a group of over 100 farmer-member delegates from across the state voiced opinions and thoughts on legislative priorities and policies.
ICGA delegates engaged in important topics that impact corn growers including the value of the core functions and activities of the Iowa corn checkoff such as market development, research and education. Throughout the policy session, they also discussed Prop-12, green energy, corn-based ethanol, carbon and taxes. While each of these topics yielded much discussion, ICGA farmer members reached a consensus and decision to reflect the majority’s interests.
“The discussions we had at the Grassroots Summit are a testament to the Iowa Corn mission of creating long-term opportunities for Iowa corn farmer profitability,” stated incoming ICGA President Jolene Riessen, a farmer from Ida Grove, Iowa. “Through grassroots policy development, Iowa Corn is able to represent our members’ farms when we work to create or defend policies at the state or national level. I am extremely proud of the farmer delegates who attended and took the time to voice what matters most to them and those they represent and look forward to a year of advocating on their behalf as the Iowa Corn Growers Association President.”
Additionally, the farmer delegates reviewed expiring policies and debated new policy resolutions. This ICGA policy process includes a member-wide survey in the spring, local roundtable discussions held in the summer, and the Annual Grassroots Summit in late August. Policies related to national issues will be brought forward at the Commodity Classic meetings with National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) farmer delegates.
Click here to see more...