Corn Growers Urge USDA to Fund Research on Corn Grain, Not Just Stover

The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA), along with 15 state corn organizations, delivered a letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to Under Secretary of Research, Education, and Economics Scott Hutchins, encouraging investment in research that supports the full value of corn grain as a driver of new market opportunities and farm income.

As farmers continue to face a difficult rural economy, NCGA is focused on ways to drive additional sources of demand. While research into crop residues such as corn stover has received increased attention, it is equally critical that USDA invest in advancing the utilization of corn grain itself, including its core components: protein, oil, starch, and fiber.

Investing in research that expands demand through innovative uses of corn grain is one of the most effective ways to strengthen the rural economy and improve farm profitability.

The letter comes as university researchers and scientists have confirmed that to secure project funding, they have avoided research focused on increasing the utilization of corn grain. Some scientists have determined that if they include the words "corn grain" in their proposal, they will not receive funding. In contrast, researchers have reported success in securing federal grants to develop a use for corn stover.

Read the full letter here.