Iowa Corn Grower's Association

Research: the Iowa Corn growers Association research is centered on developing new uses for Corn and improving the production efficiency of growing Corn. It is imperative that we discover new uses to help create demand for the surplus crop. In addition, we fund research to improve efficiency and reduce the environmental impact of Corn production. This is the key to advancing the industry and is important for the future economic viability of Corn farmers across the nation. Several patents have been awarded for the development of bioplastics and biochemicals to make renewable plastic material. In addition, Iowa Corn has been awarded a patent for a transgenic Corn plant that improves nitrogen use efficiency.

Education/promotion: the Iowa Corn growers Association (icga) educational programs work to reach both farmer and consumer audiences about the economic and environmental vitality of the Corn industry in the state of Iowa. Education about Corn and the 4,000 products made from Corn happens through earned media, advertising, promotional events, and the Iowa Corn mobile education center (icmec). Farmer to farmer education on water quality and conservation methods occurs at crop fairs, stewardship advocate events, and other field days. District and county organizations partner with icga on consumer and farmer educational and promotional efforts. Icga works to educate policy makers about the priorities set forward by membership and implemented by the board.

Market development: the best way to enhance grower profitability is to create new demand for Corn in all forms. The Iowa Corn growers Association's (icga) investment in us grains council and the us meat export federation has helped increase demand for us Corn in all forms around the world, and also helped profitability of farmers in Iowa and around the country. The icga works to reduce trade barriers for Corn and livestock around the world to increase access to export markets for us farmers. Icga works to expand markets for food, feed and fuel. Ethanol is a key market for Iowa's farmers, and icga works to maintain market access for ethanol across the u.s. and to remove regulatory barriers for higher blends of ethanol.

Iowa Corn opportunities, llc (ico), Iowa Corn growers Association's wholly owned subsidiary, began operations during the year ended august 31, 2008 and was formed primarily to provide financial and organizational support to projects that will provide a demonstratable benefit to Iowa Corn producers. Iowa Corn opportunities believes in a strong agricultural economy where farmers and rural communities gain increasing benefits and profits while investing in new agricultural business opportunities. Iowa Corn opportunities mission is to assist new and growing companies in developing strategies for growth and profitability, leverage investment opportunities to create future profit opportunities for Corn growers, and generate a profitable return to use in continued investments to create new opportunities for Corn growers.