With some farmers harvesting corn already and others preparing to harvest, the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) reminds farmers of the importance of directing their harvest to the proper channels for domestic use and exports. Growers need to be especially aware of which hybrids have not yet received full regulatory approvals in the European Union (EU) and Japan.

For example, hybrids containing the AgriSure Rootworm trait received full regulatory approvals in the U.S. in time for planting this spring, but still lack approval for import into Japan – the largest market for U.S. corn – and the EU.

“It is important that growers who planted these hybrids develop a marketing plan for the grain,” said Martin Barbre, chairman of the NCGA Biotechnology Working Group. “Growers who still need help finding an approved market for any hybrids also bearing the Market Choices logo should contact their seed dealer or the American Seed Trade Association.”

Japan and Europe are leading markets for corn gluten feed (CGF) and distillers dried grains (DDG). To protect these markets, many wet mills will not accept grain produced from hybrids not approved for export to those markets. Likewise, ethanol dry mills that may export DDGs may also refuse to accept this grain.

Paul Bertels, NCGA director of biotechnology and business development, suggests growers contact their marketing partners, local grain elevators, seed companies or the NCGA Web site to learn more about which markets are approved for biotech corn exports.

Barbre said the effects of a biotech shipment going to the wrong place could be devastating.

“We need to make sure the corn gets to the correct markets,” he said. “A mistake can affect everyone’s bottom lines, and exports could be affected in the future.”

NCGA urges farmers to direct hybrids not approved for EU export into these markets: a farmer’s own livestock rations, domestic livestock feeding channels or elevators accepting grain not yet approved for EU export. NCGA suggests that growers visit the American Seed Trade Association Web site, http://asta.farmprogress.com, for more information about the grain facilities accepting hybrids not yet approved for export to the EU.

NCGA’s Know Before You Grow database is continually updated with the current regulatory status of hybrids from participating seed producers.