Illinois Corn Growers Association President Ted Mottaz, a farmer from Elmwood, Ill., issued the following statement in response to the Trump Administration’s plans to make available a second round of Market Facilitation Program-type payments related to market losses from the ongoing trade dispute with China.

“We feel that the Trump Administration took prudent action today in holding off on announcing specific payment amounts to farmers in the planned second round of trade aid payments. Illinois corn farmers are significantly behind in planting their crop this year. As we move toward turning the calendar from May to June, the decisions about what to plant and when are complicated enough. Adding a specific monetary figure in a trade-aid payment to the mix is a variable that likely would cause significant market implications. We have enough of that as it is.

“Moving forward, our farmer members are looking forward to getting through this perfect storm of economic stressors. We need market access through trade agreements, expanded opportunities for ethanol blend rates, capturing value for conservation and best management practices that achieve consumer-based sustainability expectations, and economic efficiencies gained through infrastructure improvements in our roads, bridges, rails, and waterways. These market-based income opportunities are our preference and we are ready to get to work.”

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About the Illinois Corn Growers Association

Illinois Corn Growers Association is a state-based organization that represents the interests of corn farmers in Illinois, maintaining a high profile on issues in Washington, DC, and Springfield, IL. They aim to create and maintain opportunities for Illinois corn farmers to capture more value for their product. In order to fulfill this mission, the organization conducts governmental affairs activities at all levels, market development projects, and educational and member service programs. For further information regarding their work and involvement, visit their website www.ilcorn.org.