An updated, expanded database of biotech and high-value corn hybrids can be accessed at www.ncga.com.

The database, listing hybrids from most U.S. seed companies', is part of the National Corn Growers Association’s (NCGA) "Know Before You Grow" program. The program offers corn growers information about the marketing implications of planting hybrids not-yet approved for export to certain markets. Since its inception, "Know Before You Grow" has proved to be a valuable tool for growers, industry and foreign buyers to find information on biotechnology and enhanced corn regulations and acceptance levels.

"The 'Know Before You Grow' initiative is intended to provide corn growers a source of information about hybrids as they make their planting decisions for 2003," says Leon Corzine, NCGA biotech working group chairman.

Corzine, a grower from Assumption, IL, says NCGA invited seed companies to provide information on their 2003 products in order to give growers the most comprehensive database possible. "Nearly 97% of the corn market is represented in the 2003 'Know Before You Grow' database," he says.

"The program is another example of how the entire corn industry can work together," he concluded. "From universities to seed companies to processors to growers, we all must play an active role in ensuring the U.S. market delivers value and opportunity to everyone involved."