NCGA
Grower Leaders Underscore Need for Increased Corn Genome Funding
(02-02-05)
Members of the
National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) Research and Business Development
Action Team were in Washington, D.C., this week to discuss with
members of Congress the importance of increased funding for the
National Plant Genome Initiative.
Growers Pam
Johnson of Floyd, Iowa, and Keith Witt of Warrenton, Mo., encouraged
lawmakers and staff to continue to support the initiative throughout
the fiscal year 2006 appropriations process.
“Our top appropriations
priority is supporting corn genome sequencing and functionality,”
Johnson said. “The goal is to link DNA sequences with the
traits that determine function in corn. This is critically important
research to corn growers and the global market. Corn is a feedstock
for the world. It is food, fuel and a building block for a renewable
bio-based economy.”
Johnson and Witt explained
that in order to stay competitive in the global economy and produce
an abundant and safe food supply for the world, America’s
farmers need cutting edge technology, and genomic research is the
answer.
“Farmers need the
answers locked in the corn genome to address plant disease, pests,
and drought,” Johnson said. She added that a completed genome
sequence would allow the industry to “tailor the corn we grow
to specific end users and different niche markets. This means sustainability
for farmers and rural communities.”
NCGA’s
Public Policy Action Team was also in Washington, D.C., this week
to discuss numerous policy issues involving the agriculture budget,
risk management and rural development. Team members also took to
the halls of Congress to emphasize NCGA’s continued support
for the 2002 farm bill at the authorized funding levels.