The National Corn Growers Association and 12 national agricultural associations are urging the Trump administration to remove trade barriers to biotechnology products, including corn, to improve export opportunities for American farmers in African markets.

The effort comes as the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative seeks public input on modernizing and extending the African Growth and Opportunity Act, commonly known as AGOA. The trade program is scheduled to expire Dec. 31, 2026, unless Congress acts to renew it.

NCGA submitted comments regarding barriers affecting corn and ethanol trade with African nations and also sent a letter to Deputy U.S. Trade Representative Jeffrey Goettman outlining proposed changes aimed at improving market access for biotech products.

In the letter, the groups said updating AGOA presents an opportunity to create policies that support long-term trade relationships between the United States and African countries while expanding export opportunities for U.S. agriculture.

“This effort to modernize AGOA provides an important moment in time to establish criteria that foster market access opportunities for American farmers and can set the stage for future trading relationships that are mutually beneficial,” the letter said. “A continuation of the status quo will not only limit development in Africa, but it will relegate American farmers to residual market share when, in actuality, the quality and standards upheld by American farmers and exporters are second to none.”

The initiative is part of a broader effort by NCGA to expand export opportunities for corn growers and reduce trade barriers in existing and developing markets.

Biotechnology remains a major issue for U.S. corn producers because most corn planted in the United States is derived from biotechnology traits. According to NCGA, 94% of the nation’s planted corn is biotech-based, making market access policies surrounding biotech products increasingly important for growers and exporters.

Source: National Corn Growers Association, "NCGA: Africa Holds Opportunity for American Agriculture"