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NCGA takes positive story on ag and the environment to energy efficiency forum
National Corn Growers Association CEO Rick Tolman recently presented on "Agriculture and Global Warming: Challenges and Opportunities" to the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy's 3rd Forum on Energy Efficiency in Agriculture held in Madison, Wis., in early February. During this presentation, Tolman addressed the ability of U.S. corn growers to produce a larger crop using fewer resources, NCGA's stance on pending climate change legislation, and the environmental benefits of corn. "In light of recent media attacks on our industry, it is more important than ever that we actively get our story out to the public," said Tolman. "Growers already know that these attacks are based upon faulty information and myths. We must not allow those who would perpetuate these fallacies to tell our story." Tolman led off focusing on the U.S. growers' ability to grow more corn on less land. In 2009, growers produced a record crop of an estimated 13.2 billion bushels on fewer acres with a record average yield of 165.2 bushels per acre. As yields continue to increase, growers are progressively more able to meet all needs for food, feed, fuel and fiber while conserving land and resources. Next, Tolman explained NCGA's current stances on climate change legislation in the House of Representative and the Senate. These stances are based upon information gained through an Informa study that NCGA commissioned to study the impacts of possible legislation upon growers. Finally, Tolman explained the environmental and other benefits of U.S. corn. Specifically, the presentation delved into the benefits of ethanol, which decreases U.S. dependence on foreign oil, provides new markets for surplus commodities, stimulates rural economies and creates jobs, and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. The presentation also explored the faulty logic currently employed to determine indirect land use change. NCGA advocates constantly to increase and maintain opportunities for U.S. corn growers. In telling the positive story about agriculture, NCGA helps the public and policymakers to understand the incredible ability of our industry to produce food, feed and fuel in an environmentally responsible manner.
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