Michigan Corn Growers Call for Resolution to Trade Conflict

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Angel Jenio, ajenio@micorn.org

President Trump announced this week that the United States will impose broad tariffs on its trading partners. In response to this announcement, Michigan farmer and Michigan Corn Growers Association President John Delmotte released the following statement:

"Maintaining access to international markets is critical to making sure that Michigan's corn farmers can operate profitably. Roughly 15 percent of the U.S. corn crop is exported every year, and we are aware of the potential effects that tariffs could have on corn growers at a time when we are already navigating difficult economic conditions.

"We encourage speedy and productive negotiations to resolve these conflicts. Our state and national corn associations have been in contact with the administration providing ideas for ways to remove trade barriers for U.S. corn, ethanol and other corn products to help balance trade and increase our competitiveness globally."

Illinois farmer and National Corn Growers Association President Kenneth Hartman Jr. also highlighted President Trump's actions to address Brazil's ongoing ethanol tariff in his statement today:

"Brazil, for example, could eliminate the 18% tariffs it puts on imports of ethanol, which is a particularly egregious practice and one that we are pleased to see the president address. The country should move to quickly come to the negotiating table so that it can rectify this situation."