BLOOMINGTON, Ill.— Ted Mottaz, President of the Illinois Corn Growers Association, issued the following statement regarding President Trump signing the new farm bill, the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 into law:

“The Illinois Corn Growers Association appreciates that President Trump signed the 2018 farm bill before the end of the year. The bill means that so many programs on which our farmers rely will be available for the 2019 crop year. At a time of increased market uncertainty for reasons far outside the control of farmers, the stability that a current farm bill provides is substantial.

“ICGA is pleased that our advocates in the House and Senate were able to maintain a strong crop insurance program, our top priority. Another important provision is support for trade promotion programs like the Market Access Program and the Foreign Market Development program. Illinois corn farmer investments are leveraged with these public dollars to discover, develop, and grow markets around the world for corn and corn in other forms, like ethanol and DDGS.

“ICGA is doing a victory lap for some improvements in the way that farmers can enroll their farms in programs handled by the Risk Management Agency. We’ve been working on those changes diligently on behalf of our farmer members. These changes are a win for us, but also a win for other farmers and taxpayers, too, as these programs become more efficient and effective.

“Another improvement that will make the farm bill more efficient and effective for farmers and taxpayers is change to the conservation title. The changes will allow farmers less complicated access to best management practices like planting cover crops to preserve our soils and minimize nutrient loss. ICGA is excited to see our nation recognize the role that farmers must play in preserving the environment and we look forward to fewer barriers when implementing those practices.”

Lynn Chrisp, NCGA President, attended the Farm Bill signing, pictured back row center, just above President Trump