July 11, 2006

US corn growers lobbying to put proposed bill to the vote

More than 125 National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) delegates would be attending the annual Corn Congress in Washington on Wednesday and Thursday (Jul 12 and 13) with one central aim: to lobby for the approval of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA).

Growers would speak with senators and representatives encouraging them to bring the WRDA to the Senate for a vote and discuss other critical corn issues.

The WRDA of 2005 provides for the development of water-related resources that would authorise the secretary of the army to construct projects for improvements to rivers and harbours in the US.

The bill passed overwhelmingly in the house last year but has yet to gain Senate approval.

Gerald Tumbleson, NCGA president, said growers would raise awareness of the long-term value that corn growers and agriculture bring to the nation.

Having growers to come to Washington to participate in discussions with key legislators is a key component of grassroots' efforts, said Tumbleson.

There would be no letting up in lobbying efforts before the bill is put to the vote by the senate, Tumbleson said, adding that it would take years for the issue to surface again if it is not addressed this year. The effect would be particularly damaging to growers if that were to happen, he said.