On May 13, something miraculous and rare in modern legislative politics occurred. A standalone bill passed the U.S. House with a vote of 218-203. During that vote, 122 Republicans, 95 Democrats and one Independent voted to pass the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act (H.R. 1346), which would allow for a 15% ethanol-gasoline blend to be sold year-round.
While the Farm Bill momentum was a positive step, the House also punted a vote on legislation that would expand consumer access to higher blends of ethanol. We have worked for years trying to secure passage of legislation that would allow for the year-round sale of fuels with 15% ethanol blends, referred to as E15.
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations has declared 2026 the International Year of the Woman Farmer.
We are working this month to push for immediate passage of legislation in Congress that would allow for year-round access to fuels with 15% ethanol blends nationwide.
As 2025 draws to a close, my staff and I are assessing the accomplishments that NCGA has achieved on behalf of corn growers this year and planning for the issues that will require us to redouble our efforts in 2026.
Twenty years ago this month, the president signed into law the Energy Policy Act of 2005 establishing the Renewable Fuel Standard, a development that reshaped the rural economy and provided immeasurable benefits to people across the country.
Just like I have a choice about what food I buy at the grocery store, I want farmers to continue to have the ability to make an informed choice about the production tools and practices that they use on their farms.
New VP of Public Policy at NCGA, Leslie Weber McNitt, pens her first Ears in Washington. "My two decades of experience as a leader in Washington’s agricultural advocacy circles have taught me how to springboard off challenges to achieve big wins."
State and national corn grower leaders and allies – including those in your state – have been relentless in working to get this legislation across the finish line.
As change in the political arena takes place, we as advocates must change along with it. We must shift our messages and tactics if we’re to be successful in advancing our policy agenda. But it is important to never lose sight of our core values and mission along the way.
Our persistent advocacy work led to a recent decision by an international dispute panel that ruled that Mexico violated its obligations under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement by blocking genetically modified corn imports. That outcome is a clear sign that advocacy is effective and will only increase our leverage moving ahead.
With our growers facing tough economic headwinds, NCGA and corn grower leaders are already working hard to shape the coming policy landscape.