In The News

Mar 21, 2024

Key Issues: EthanolSustainability

A multi-state coalition of biofuel and farm advocates, including the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) and many state corn advocates, called on President Biden’s Treasury Department to swiftly resolve any questions standing in the way of efforts to scale up U.S. production of Sustainable Aviation Fuel. Specifically, they urged the administration to quickly adopt the U.S. Department of Energy’s GREET model for the calculation of SAF tax credits (40B) under the Inflation Reduction Act – completing a process that was originally scheduled to conclude by March 1.   “We are disappointed that the administration did not fulfill its commitment to release a modified GREET model by March 1, but we appreciate the importance of getting the modeling right,” wrote 26 organizations across 13 states, including Clean Fuels Alliance America, Growth Energy, National Corn Growers Association, National Farmers Union, National Oilseed Processors Association, and the Renewable Fuels Association....

Mar 2, 2024

Key Issues: EthanolSustainabilityNew Uses

Author: Bryan Goodman

As Treasury considers how to measure greenhouse gas emissions as it allocates tax credits for sustainable aviation fuels, the National Corn Growers Association’s (NCGA) Corn Congress, meeting in Houston, Texas, reaffirmed their support today for the use of the GREET model in making that determination.   “Corn grower leaders across the country have made it clear that the GREET model is the most reliable measure in determining reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, as it weighs the environmental impacts from the farm to the car or plane,” said NCGA President Harold Wolle. “We strongly encourage the administration to embrace this model, and its accurate and fair calculation of corn’s environmental picture.”   The Inflation Reduction Act, signed into law in 2022, calls for the allocation of $1.25 for each gallon of sustainable aviation fuel in a qualified mixture. To qualify for the credit, biofuels must reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by at least 50%.   NCGA has...

Feb 21, 2024

Key Issues: Sustainability

Author: Nicole Hasheider

The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) announced today that Sean Arians has joined the organization as vice president of Sustainable Production.     Arians brings to the role 20 years of experience working in the agriculture industry in a variety of production- and sustainability-focused roles.     “Sean has deep agricultural roots and has earned the reputation of being a strategic thinker and innovative problem solver,” said NCGA CEO Neil Caskey. “We’re thrilled to welcome him to the NCGA team to lead and elevate our efforts to support the long trajectory of sustainability gains made by U.S. corn farmers.”   Prior to joining NCGA, Arians worked for some of the biggest brands in agriculture, including roles at Advanced Agrilytics, Bayer, The Climate Corporation and Precision Planting. His past experience spans on-the-ground work with farmers to implement sustainable solutions for their farms to roles in strategy to drive big-picture solutions across companies.   “I’m...

Jan 24, 2024

Key Issues: SustainabilityNew Uses

Author: Stacey Stiens

Maïzly—one of four winners in the National Corn Growers Association’s (NCGA) Consider Corn Challenge IV—has emerged as a pioneer in the realm of plant-based alternatives, particularly in the creation of a nutritious beverage derived from corn. Founded by Tim Leclercq and Marcel Van Der Merwe, the company has perfected a formula that replicates the mouthfeel of dairy milk while offering a smooth, natural taste that enhances rather than masks the flavors it accompanies. With a range of delicious flavors—original, chocolate, vanilla and strawberry—as well as a tasty custard, Maïzly has positioned itself as a game-changer in the plant-based food industry, capturing customers who cannot consume dairy milk or other plant based alternative beverages due to allergies or intolerances.   The key innovation lies in Maïzly's identification of a specific corn variant that not only mimics the characteristics of dairy milk but also contributes to a unique taste profile. Unlike traditional...

Jan 22, 2024

Key Issues: SustainabilityAnimal Agriculture

Author: Stacey Stiens

The importance of collaborative ag industry partnerships is front and center in a new video funded in part by the National Corn Growers Association’s (NCGA) Market Development Action Team. The U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) partnered with U.S. Pork, U.S. Soy, NCGA, the Beef Checkoff, and American Lamb to produce a visually engaging narrative that showcases how American producers' dedication to the land and animals translates into high-quality, sustainable protein worldwide. The video—Beyond Borders—aims to highlight the U.S. red meat industry's commitment to sustainability, recognizing its growing importance in global markets and meeting customer demand.    "The USMEF Beyond Borders video illustrates the power of collaboration between corn and our valued partners across the meat industry. By working hand in hand with our animal ag partners, we are not just cultivating crops; we are cultivating a future where best practices and a shared commitment to the land will lead the...

Dec 20, 2023

Key Issues: Sustainability

Author: Stacey Stiens

  The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) applauds the sustained reductions in nutrient losses reaching the Gulf of Mexico and the resulting reductions in the average size of the hypoxic zone, as recently documented in the 2023 Report to Congress by the Hypoxia Task Force (HTF). NCGA commends growers for the practical conservation steps and measures they have voluntarily adopted on their farms to reduce nutrient losses and protect water quality.   "In the journey of water quality stewardship, we are encouraged by the strides made by growers,” said Minnesota grower and NCGA Stewardship Action Team Chair Bryan Biegler. “The commitment to sustainable practices is clear, and despite challenging weather patterns impacting growers, we see definite progress taking form over the course of a five-year rolling average. It's a demonstration to the resilience and dedication of the agricultural community in achieving our shared vision for a healthier, more sustainable...

Dec 15, 2023

Key Issues: EthanolSustainability

Author: Bryan Goodman

The U.S. Department of Treasury announced today that it will use a modified version of the GREET model as a measurement for determining reductions in greenhouse gas emissions as the agency allocates tax credits for sustainable aviation fuels under the recently passed Inflation Reduction Act.   The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) said it is pleased that Treasury is embracing the model.   “Given that GREET was created by the U.S. government and is widely respected for its ability to measure reductions in greenhouse gas emissions from the farm to the plane, we are encouraged that Treasury will adopt some version of this model,” said Minnesota farmer and NCGA President Harold Wolle. “At the end of the day, we are eager to help the aviation sector lower its carbon footprint, and we look forward to working with the involved agencies over the coming months to ensure the final model helps us achieve that goal.”   The decision by Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen has been...

Sep 21, 2023

Key Issues: EthanolSustainability

Author: Bryan Goodman

The CEO of the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) today pushed back against commentary made by a science advisory board to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that questioned the effectiveness of ethanol in lowering greenhouse gas emissions. The NCGA leader's comments were made during a public meeting held by the SAB.   “There is no shortage of studies on the environmental benefits of corn ethanol,” NCGA CEO Neil Caskey told the advisory board members. “The Department of Energy’s Argonne National Laboratory, for example, has conducted extensive research on the matter and concluded that corn ethanol has reduced greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S. by 544 million metric tons from 2005- 2019, and that the feedstock’s carbon intensity is 44% lower than that of petroleum gasoline.”   The testimony comes after the SAB provided commentary to the EPA administrator raising doubts about the effectiveness of ethanol.   The SAB is comprised of experts representing a range of...

Sep 15, 2023

Key Issues: EthanolSustainability

Author: Bryan Goodman

The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) sent a letter this week to the Environmental Protection Agency addressing recent concerns raised by the agency’s scientific advisory board about the environmental benefits of ethanol. In a letter sent to EPA Administrator Michael Regan on Thursday, NCGA CEO Neil Caskey noted that the research shows unequivocally that ethanol is important to addressing climate change. “There are no shortage of studies on the environmental benefits of corn ethanol,” Caskey said. “The Department of Energy’s Argonne National Laboratory, for example, has conducted extensive research on the matter and concluded that corn ethanol has reduced GHG emissions in the U.S. by 544 million metric tons from 2005- 2019 and that the feedstock’s carbon intensity is 44 percent lower than that of petroleum gasoline.” The letter was sent after EPA’s scientific advisory board submitted draft commentary on the Volume Requirements for 2023 and Beyond under the Renewable Fuel...

Sep 7, 2023

Key Issues: EthanolSustainability

Author: Bryan Goodman

Asserting that U.S. tax policy should be tied to the best standards the government has to offer, 17 of the nation’s top corn grower leaders sent a letter to Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen today encouraging her to adopt an emissions model developed by the Department of Energy as her agency works with the Internal Revenue Service to determine which biofuels lower greenhouse gas emissions enough to qualify for sustainable aviation fuel tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act. The letter, which was signed by the president of the National Corn Growers Association and the leaders from state grower groups across the country, calls on Treasury to use an emissions standard referred to as the GREET model, which was developed by the DOE, rather than a less comprehensive international standard preferred by some groups. “GREET is the federal government’s most robust and updated model or methodology for transportation lifecycle assessment,” the letter says. “It is used globally to...