National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) voting delegates amended and approved the 2005 policy and position papers at the Commodity Classic. Among those resolutions were the following:

Ethanol

NCGA supports the goal of tripling the ethanol market. Further, we support the enactment of a Renewable Fuels Standard that requires at least a 5-billion level with no loss of ethanol use required during the transition period. In addition we support state efforts to establish standards for ethanol inclusion in every gallon of gasoline.

NCGA supports establishment of federal standards which allow up to 85% ethanol blends.

Energy Policy

NCGA supports cost competitive alternative energy sources in the production of electricity.

NCGA supports expanded domestic production and construction of infrastructure for natural gas and other energy resources.

NCGA supports the use of bio-fuels and lubricants by federal, state and local government owned vehicles.

Biotechnology

NCGA demands technology providers to fully engage all regulatory options and stewardship practices for biotech events.

NCGA supports trade negotiations including the specific objective of regulatory synchronization and mutual acceptance of biotech agricultural products.

NCGA supports the development of internationally accepted, science-based threshold standards.

NCGA encourages the Environmental Protection agency, registrants, and the research community to work closely with producers to develop resistance management strategies that are workable for producers.

Trade Policy

NCGA supports exemption of food, feed, agricultural products, medicine and medical supplies from any and all unilateral sanctions imposed on foreign countries by the U.S.

NCGA supports Trade Promotion Authority

NCGA supports continued membership by the U.S. in the World Trade Organization.

NCGA opposes U.S. and foreign trade barriers that negatively impact the price and availability of imported inputs.

Rural Development

NCGA actively support full funding for the USDA Rural Development Value-Added Producer Grant Program.

NCGA supports amending IRS code to allow a cooperative or other producer business entity to convert to a newly eligible business structure without a liquidation tax being imposed if, after the reorganization, a majority of the governance and financial rights are held by producers of agricultural products.

NCGA supports amending SEC authority to grant a permit for an exchange for producers to trade or transfer their interests in producer owned or controlled businesses.

Conservation Reserve Program

NCGA opposes the public use of private lands enrolled in conservation programs without owners permission.

NCGA supports voluntary programs that create environmental incentive payments for implementation of conservation practices.

A complete listing of the 2005 policy and position papers are available at www.ncga.com.

Date: 3/24/05