April 29, 2008 –THE STATE CORN GROWER ASSOCIATIONS FROM ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MARYLAND, NEBRASKA, OHIO AND VIRGINIA  SENT THE FOLLOWING LETTER YESTERDAY TO CONGRESS ASKING FOR A STRONG “ REVENUE BASED” SAFETY NET IN THE 2008 FARM BILL.

Dear Member of Congress,

The State Corn Grower Associations listed below were initially very pleased with the strong Average Crop Revenue Election (ACRE) program that was being reported by members of the Farm Bill Conference Committee.  However recently, as negotiations have continued, we are hearing that there are efforts to weaken the ACRE program to a point that corn producers will no longer view the program as a viable option.  At a time with increasing risks and market volatility, a farm bill without a strong ACRE program is little better than no farm bill at all.

The ACRE program must be structured in such a way to be a viable option for our producers. We ask you to present a strong revenue-based safety net to demonstrate to our producers that you are committed to delivering better farm policy for today’s needs.  We advocate a revenue-based safety net because traditional programs are inadequate protection.  A revenue-based safety net, such as the ACRE program, must offer basic provisions for our producers in order for them to choose the program. Without sufficient structure, it offers little to no protection for our producers. 

The proposal to delay ACRE until fiscal year 2010 signals to farmers that there is no concern for higher input costs and increased risks associated with crop production. Our organizations are committed to common sense reform while acknowledging commodity titles of the past will not provide protection for crop producers in the future. We have shown this commitment by making concessions in order for ACRE to offer cost savings, which in turn can be used by other interests and programs in the Farm Bill.

The ongoing efforts to weakenACRE as a viable safety net and the decision to delay implementation as well as continued efforts to eliminate the program continue to erode the confidence of farmers. Our producers need a strong, reformed Title I program in place to support them when they need it the most.

Corn growers ask that the bargaining come to an end in regards to ACRE. We ask for your commitment to safeguard ACRE against any further competing interests and make it a meaningful option in the 2008 Farm Bill that farmers across the country may choose to select.    Our organizations believe strongly that a revenue-based safety net such as ACRE is the only option to ensure the nation’s farmers continue to produce crops for food, feed, fiber and fuel.

Sincerely,

 Illinois Corn Growers Association

Indiana Corn Growers Association

Iowa Corn Growers Association

Maryland Grain Producers Association

Nebraska Corn Growers Association

Ohio Corn Growers Association

Virginia Grain Producers Association