As We Conclude 2024, a Look at the INS & OUTS In Washington

By Brooke S. Appleton

If you expect twists and turns during an election year, this year certainly did not disappoint. In 2024, we navigated a presidential election like no other as we pushed Congress to act on our major legislative priorities and as voters contemplated the nation’s future.

While we will end 2024 with a divided Congress and Democratic administration, soon into 2025 we will have a Republican president and a GOP Congress. Suffice it to say, our Ins & OUTs this year runneth over!

So here it goes, our annual INs & OUTS…

IN: INNOVATION                                             OUT: COMPLACENCY

The National Corn Growers Association, along with state corn grower groups, has spent the last several years pushing the Biden administration to act against Mexico over its proposed ban on genetically modified corn imports. In 2023, the Biden administration responded to our calls by filing a dispute settlement against Mexico under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement. The move came shortly after Mexico banned some forms of genetically modified corn imports.

The decision from the panel is expected very soon. The U.S. government has made a solid case, aided by the impacts shared from corn growers. Should the case be decided in our favor, it will be a major boon to American growers, as 90 percent of U.S. corn is genetically modified, and Mexico is the largest buyer of our products. We will continue our work on this issue with the incoming Trump administration to ensure safe passage of GM corn into Mexico and seize opportunities that will allow growers to sell into new foreign markets.

NCGA also continues to push for ways to use innovation to grow new domestic markets. For example, we are working with government officials as they develop guidelines that will help ethanol refineries access sustainable aviation fuel tax credits. The tax credits are essential if our growers are to make inroads into the aviation sector. If sustainable aviation fuel were to “take off,” it would be a boon to corn farmers!

IN: REPUBLICAN TRIFECTA                              OUT: DIVIDED GOVERNMENT

As we have advocated for corn grower priorities, we have had to navigate a divided government with Democrats controlling the U.S. Senate and the Republicans the U.S. House of Representatives. That will soon be the case no more. In the 119^th Congress, Republicans will control the House, Senate and the White House. We expect this will mean that President-elect Donald Trump will be able to more easily advance parts of his agenda through budget reconciliation. However, we know from looking at history that at times the majority party can struggle and break into factions. For example, the conservative House Freedom Caucus often breaks with other wings of the Republican Party.  When we are united, agriculture can have powerful messages that resonate across inter- and intra-party divides. We plan to make our case to policymakers of all stripes.

IN: NEW GOP LEADERS                                   OUT: OLD DEMOCRATIC GUARD

We are witnessing the rise of some new faces as we enter a new year. For example, Trump has tapped Brooke Rollins to serve as secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Rollins, who holds a degree in agriculture from Texas A&M, will bring a fresh perspective to ag policy as well as a strong working relationship with the incoming president. We look forward to working with her as she goes through the Senate confirmation process, and once she is at the helm of the Department.

At the same time, we are saying goodbye to a few corn grower champions. Secretary Tom Vilsack will conclude his tenure at USDA in January. Vilsack has worked on issues important to corn growers since his time serving as governor of Iowa. We will also see the retirement of Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), the top Senate Democrat on Agriculture since 2011. But we take solace in knowing that she is expected to be replaced by Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) as ranking member on the Senate Agriculture Committee. Klobuchar has been a major advocate for our issues and has developed close relationships with our leadership.

At this writing, the ranking position on the House Agriculture Committee is in play with long-time chairman David Scott (D-Ga.) facing challenges from Rep. Angie Craig (D-Minn.) and Jim Costa (D-Calif.). We have worked with all three leaders. Craig has worked closely with us and  has been a major champion of corn grower priorities. Costa has been excellent on many trade issues and Scott has been a steady leader on the committee.

IN: FARM BILL EXTENSION (Part II).                OUT: FARM BILL MUST DOs

Despite successful efforts to mark up and pass a farm bill out of the House Agriculture Committee, the bill was never taken up or passed by the entire House. While the Senate committee leadership offered competing frameworks, it did not advance any legislation.

Negotiations for a five-year farm bill do not look promising. Congress may settle for another one-year extension of the 2018 farm bill, which could be attached to a continuing resolution that continues to fund the government. We have been calling for the inclusion of disaster and economic assistance for farmers along with legislation that will allow for permanent consumer access to E15 year-round.

When the new Congress is in session, we will continue a strong push for reauthorization of a robust five-year farm bill that includes corn grower priorities.

IN:  YEAR OF THE FARMER                            OUT: HARDSHIPS

Growers have faced declining corn prices and high input costs. We know that this is a tough time for farmers, and that is front of mind for my staff and I as we advocate for you on Capitol Hill. Our goal is to make 2025 the year of the farmer. We plan to do that by pushing legislators to eliminate barriers you face while helping you and other growers make inroads into new markets.

That’s our list for 2024. We wish you and yours a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Appleton is vice president of public policy at the National Corn Growers Association.