U.S. corn growers face mounting challenges in marketing their crop abroad, from persistent ag trade deficits to being undercut by Brazilian corn during their peak harvest season. Shifting global demand has made it harder for American producers to stay competitive. Despite these headwinds, the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) is working alongside other ag organizations to expand trade, open new markets, and influence trade policy at home and abroad. Their collective efforts aim to keep U.S. corn moving across borders.
Nancy Martinez, Director of Public Policy, Trade, and Biotechnology for the National Corn Growers Association, told IARN that expanding market access remains a top priority as the organization looks for ways to move the country’s large corn supply.
Martinez says it’s still unclear exactly how another round of tariffs under the second Trump administration will play out. She emphasizes that while protecting U.S. interests is important, retaliation or prolonged disputes could hurt corn exports at a time when the market is already under pressure. Martinez adds that growers need certainty and stability in trade policy, not volatility. That consistency, she says, is what allows producers to plan and remain competitive.
Martinez says NCGA is focused on strengthening relationships in established markets like Mexico, South Korea, and Japan, while also pursuing new opportunities in Southeast Asia and Africa. She notes that diversifying export destinations is key to building long-term resilience for U.S. corn producers.
Martinez says NCGA is working to break down trade barriers in places like the UK and EU, where restrictions on GMO corn have limited access. By promoting science-based regulations and educating foreign leaders on biotech safety, they aim to open more market opportunities for U.S. corn.
To learn more about how the National Corn Growers Association is working to expand trade and support U.S. corn producers, visit their website. Continued engagement and informed advocacy remain key to opening new markets and strengthening the industry’s global reach.
