THINK ABOUT MARKET BARRIERS WHEN CASTING YOUR VOTE

Tricia Braid

Oct 29, 2014  |  Today's News

The Illinois Corn Growers Association is urging farmers, as they head to the polls, to think about how each candidate might change government policies that restrict market access.

These limitations to market access are further pushing corn prices down to levels that will, in some cases, result in farm program and crop insurance payments.

“Obviously, based on basic economic principles, we can expect a big crop to mean lower prices, all other things remaining the same,” said Gary Hudson, Illinois Corn Growers Association President.

“But our big crop isn’t the only thing driving corn prices down,” Hudson continued.

Artificial barriers to corn market access have depressed not just prices but also expectations for a return to more appropriate corn price levels.

“The government’s role in these low corn prices can’t be ignored,” said Hudson.

Government inaction on funding waterways improvements and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s continued efforts to stymie corn ethanol in the marketplace are just two examples of federal government-originated barriers to the marketplace. In Illinois, the General Assembly is mired in politics that have prevented consideration of incentives for E15.

“Things need to change in DC and in Springfield,” Hudson concluded.

ICGA, using research results funded by the Illinois corn checkoff, has provided reams of information to decision makers and elected officials to impact change on waterways infrastructure, ethanol, and the impact of regulations.

ICGA’s policy areas support the removal of these market barriers. Specifically:

  • immediate funding of the Water Resources and Reform Development Act as well as the addition of the user fee,

  • a return to the Congressionally determined ethanol volume numbers as directed in the Renewable Fuel Standard II,

  • General Assembly passage of the Consumer Fuel Choice for Illinois bill to encourage gasoline retailers to offer E15,

  • and support for a proposed ordinance in the City of Chicago that would make E15 available at all gas stations within the City.

“We all need to do what we can as individuals to encourage corn utilization,” said Hudson. “For example, use E85 if you have a flex fuel vehicle.”

“Given the level of legislative, policy, and regulatory interventions in our markets, one of the biggest impacts we can make as individuals is at the polls in November. Will your candidates help ease these market issues?” asked Hudson.

More information about IL Corn’s priorities and work areas can be found online at www.ilcorn.org.