Corn growers urge updated federal codes to reflect bioeconomy growth
The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) is encouraging federal officials to improve the way the U.S. bioeconomy is measured. The organization recently submitted comments to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), asking the agency to reconsider proposed updates that may not fully capture the economic value of emerging bio-based industries.
NCGA believes accurate measurement is important as the bioeconomy continues to grow and create new opportunities for farmers, businesses, and rural communities. The association said existing industry classifications should better recognize sectors that rely on agricultural products and renewable resources.
“While growth in this sector has made significant contributions to rural America and the overall U.S. economy, measuring its true scope and value cannot be achieved without the industry-specific classifications,” said Ohio farmer and NCGA President Jed Bower. “Quantifying the impact of uses such as sustainable aviation fuel, bioplastics, renewable chemicals and other new uses helps show the potential economic impact of expanding these markets.”
According to the organization, reliable economic data helps businesses, investors, researchers, and policymakers understand market trends and identify areas for future growth. Better measurement can also highlight the role agriculture plays in supporting clean energy solutions and the development of new products.
The association noted that industries depend on federal statistics for market research and economic analysis. If the bioeconomy is not accurately represented, important opportunities for investment and policy development could be overlooked.
NCGA says updated classifications would provide a clearer picture of how bio-based industries contribute to job creation, innovation, and economic growth across the United States. The group believes stronger data collection methods will help demonstrate the growing value of agriculture in supporting a modern and sustainable economy.
As demand for renewable products continues to increase, NCGA is encouraging federal agencies to adopt measurement tools that better reflect the expanding role of the bioeconomy and its benefits for rural America.
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