"We are aware of questions and concerns raised about the potential marketplace effects of the new section 199A of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act as it relates to producers and agribusinesses. Congress's intent in including this provision was to replicate the tax treatment previously available to co-op farmer-members, consistent with the bill's overarching goal of creating jobs and economic growth including in rural America.
"We are working intensively with stakeholders, including cooperatives, non-cooperative-owned agribusinesses and Senate offices, including Senators Hoeven, Thune and Roberts. The goal of these discussions is to arrive at an equitable solution that preserves the benefits that cooperatives and their farmer patrons previously enjoyed under Section 199 of the tax code, while addressing any unforeseen impacts on producers' marketing decisions. NCFC, NGFA and our stakeholders are committed to reaching a solution in a thoughtful and expeditious manner, and to working with Congress to address this issue promptly."
About the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives
Since 1929, NCFC has been the voice of America's farmer cooperatives. Our members are regional and national farmer cooperatives, which are in turn composed of over 2,000 local farmer cooperatives across the country. NCFC members also include 26 state and regional councils of cooperatives. Farmer cooperatives allow individual farmers the ability to own and lead organizations that are essential for continued competitiveness in both the domestic and international markets.
America's farmer-owned cooperatives provide a comprehensive array of services for their members. These diverse organizations handle, process and market virtually every type of agricultural commodity. They also provide farmers with access to infrastructure necessary to manufacture, distribute and sell a variety of farm inputs. Additionally, they provide credit and related financial services, including export financing.
About the National Grain and Feed Association
The NGFA, established in 1896, consists of more than 1,050 grain, feed, processing, exporting and other grain-related companies - both independent and cooperative. Its members operate more than 7,000 facilities nationwide and handle more than 70 percent of the U.S. grain and oilseed crop. NGFA also consists of 36 affiliated state and regional associations, and has strategic alliances with the North American Export Grain Association and Pet Food Institute.