The National Corn Growers Association is out with a report that documents past sustainability improvements by U.S. corn farmers and sets goals to reach by 2030.
“Corn farmers have demonstrated their commitment to sustainability for decades through their adoption of practices to defend against soil erosion, improve water quality and water use, and management of resources through modern farming advancements,” NCGA President John Linder said in a statement.
The report is meant to solidify “U.S. corn farmers’ commitment to environmental, economic and social sustainability” through demonstrating past efforts and pledging future progress, the organization noted in a release.
NCGA set five environmental national efficiency targets for 2030 in the report: increase land-use efficiency by 12%; increase irrigation water use efficiency by 15%; reduce soil erosion by 13%; increase energy use efficiency by 13%; and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 13%.
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The report and goals are the product of 18 months of farmer-led discussions. NCGA created the Corn Sustainability Advisory Group in 2019, and members of this group worked together to create the report and set the goals, which the NCGA Corn Board signed off on early in 2021.
“Sustainability is and will continue to be an incredibly important part of what we do, and I’m proud that my fellow leaders at NCGA have led our industry in taking these important steps,” Linder added. “As our country and the world examine risks associated with climate change, our commitment to sustainability positions us to play an even bigger role in mitigating these risks in the future.”
There is currently an open comment period for farmers, customers and others to provide feedback on NCGA’s report and sustainability goals.
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