Know Before You Grow

Visit Know Before You Grow to Avoid Unwanted Surprises at Harvest

As planting season gets underway in southern parts of the country, the National Corn Growers Association reminds growers to visit the "Know Before Your Grow" website. The newly revamped site offer growers important new information to help inform planting decisions in light of the release of new seed varieties currently unapproved in some export markets.

"In a globalized agricultural economy, it is important that farmers understand the delicate balance that must be struck between ensuring access to the technologies while also safeguarding export markets remain open to U.S. corn," said NCGA Trade Policy and Biotechnology Action Team Chair Jim Zimmerman. "The balance is especially challenging in the case of China since the  country already has an asynchronous approval system for biotech traits. This is only compounded as China has currently fallen behind even their normal asynchronous approval timelines. While we must make vigorous efforts to maintain market access, farmers should remain aware of the importance role these products play in effectively facing problems caused by biological stressors. Both biotechnology and export markets play a key role in maintaining profitability. Making decisions based in solid information will be key to maintaining profitability moving forward."

NCGA stands solidly true to its policy in maintaining all new events must have approval in the United States and Japan prior to release. Additionally, the trait provider must be actively pursuing approval in all other markets for U.S. corn.

Click here or go to www.knowbeforeyougrow.com to learn more.