The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) has stated its firm support for trade liberalization as agriculture groups prepare to attend the fifth Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organization (WTO) in Cancun, Mexico.

Joining NCGA at a recent press conference in Washington, D.C., were representatives from the American Farm Bureau Federation, American Soybean Association, Wheat Export Trade Education Committee, National Milk Producers Federation, USA Rice Federation and the American Sugarbeet Growers Association.

Speaking at the press conference, Jon Doggett, NCGA vice president public policy, said, “Trade is an important part of the daily lives of corn growers. NCGA has and will continue to be a strong supporter of trade policies that focus on liberalizing markets and eliminating barriers to trade.”

One out of every five rows of corn is exported with exports of value-added corn and co-products adding to the importance of foreign markets for U.S. corn producers. Last year, the U.S. exported over 47 million metric tons of bulk corn worth an estimated $4.8 billion.

Regarding the so-called “three pillars” of trade liberalization, NCGA supports the elimination of export subsidies, harmonization of tariffs and harmonization of domestic support levels. “We strongly believe that liberalization of trade is a proven way to raise the standard of living for developed and developing countries. The negotiations this week provide a unique opportunity for members of the World Trade Organization to reform international markets for agriculture products and realize the promise of the Doha Ministerial Declaration,” continued Doggett.

NCGA will attend the Cancun Ministerial as a non-governmental organization (NGO). Representing NCGA will be President Fred Yoder of Plain City, OH; President-Elect Dee Vaughan of Dumas, TX; and Trade Task Force Chairman Doug Boisen of Minden, NE.