WASHINGTON, D.C. – Corn Refiners Association President and CEO John Bode released the following statement after the Senate confirmation of Dr. Julie Callahan to serve as the next Chief Ag Negotiator at the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative.  

“CRA thanks the U.S. Senate for confirmation of Dr. Julie Callahan to be Chief Agriculture Negotiator,” said Bode. “Ambassador Callahan is well prepared to provide the strong representation American agriculture desperately needs as the Trump Administration pursues its active trade agenda. Most important for American agriculture is the upcoming review of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, which governs the two most important trade relationships for American food producers and consumers.” 

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About the Corn Refiners Association (CRA)  
The Corn Refiners Association (CRA) is the national trade association representing the corn refining industry of the United States. CRA and its predecessors have served this important segment of American agribusiness since 1913. Corn refiners manufacture sweeteners, starch, advanced bioproducts, corn oil and feed products from corn components such as starch oil, protein, and fiber.  

The post Corn Refiners Welcome Callahan Confirmation  appeared first on Corn Refiners Association.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – As the Trump Administration considers feedback on the future of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement and deliberates its approach to the upcoming deadline for renewal of the agreement, Corn Refiners Association President and CEO John Bode released a statement urging the continuation of the deal to maintain its tremendous benefits.  

“Because of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, no trading partners are more important to American food producers and consumers than Canada and Mexico,” said Bode. “The U.S. food and agriculture industry relies on integrated North American markets, and U.S. consumers benefit from USMCA through food affordability and availability. It’s a win-win, and it’s why North America has been rated as the most food-secure region in the world.  

“As the Trump Administration considers the future of the agreement, it is imperative that market access be maintained, businesses have predictability through a rules-based trading system, and food security be protected.”  

BACKGROUND 

CRA is a strong supporter of USMCA, which protects duty-free access to Mexico and Canada, the top two export markets for American refined corn products. Mexican imports of American refined corn products topped $1.3 billion in 2024; exports to Canada were nearly $700 million.  

In written comments to USTR, CRA has urged the Trump Administration to maintain duty-free access for exports to Canada and Mexico; ensure continuation and adherence to existing rules, including dispute settlement; finalize the review quickly; and enhance collaboration between governments on issues such as transshipment.  

In October, CRA was also one of 124 organizations that signed a letter urging support for a full 16-year renewal of USMCA.  

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About the Corn Refiners Association (CRA)  
The Corn Refiners Association (CRA) is the national trade association representing the corn refining industry of the United States. CRA and its predecessors have served this important segment of American agribusiness since 1913. Corn refiners manufacture sweeteners, starch, advanced bioproducts, corn oil and feed products from corn components such as starch oil, protein, and fiber.  

The post Corn Refiners Urge Strong Support for USMCA  appeared first on Corn Refiners Association.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Following Senate action to advance legislation to end the prolonged government shutdown, Corn Refiners Association President and CEO John Bode released a statement welcoming the development and urging continued action to support American agriculture.  

“CRA strongly supports ending the government shutdown and welcomes this important step toward restoring stability for American farmers, workers, and rural communities,” said Bode. “We are encouraged that the legislation extends authority for USDA’s BioPreferred Program — an essential initiative that drives demand for U.S. agricultural products and strengthens domestic bioproduct manufacturing. However, without sufficient funding, the program cannot fulfill its mission. We urge USDA to prioritize the resources needed to resume BioPreferred operations and call on Congress to ensure full funding moving forward. American agriculture and the growing bioeconomy depend on it.”

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About the Corn Refiners Association (CRA)  
The Corn Refiners Association (CRA) is the national trade association representing the corn refining industry of the United States. CRA and its predecessors have served this important segment of American agribusiness since 1913. Corn refiners manufacture sweeteners, starch, advanced bioproducts, corn oil and feed products from corn components such as starch oil, protein, and fiber.  

The post Corn Refiners Welcome Progress to Restore Government Funding appeared first on Corn Refiners Association.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Corn Refiners Association President and CEO John Bode released the following statement as the government began the 2026 fiscal year without a funding agreement.

“Shutting down the government is a short-term action that will have long-term consequences. We urge Congress to fulfill its responsibility to the American people by ensuring the government remains open and getting back to work on advancing meaningful legislation like a new Farm Bill.”

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About the Corn Refiners Association (CRA)  
The Corn Refiners Association (CRA) is the national trade association representing the corn refining industry of the United States. CRA and its predecessors have served this important segment of American agribusiness since 1913. Corn refiners manufacture sweeteners, starch, advanced bioproducts, corn oil and feed products from corn components such as starch oil, protein, and fiber.  

The post Corn Refiners Urge Resolution to Government Shutdown appeared first on Corn Refiners Association.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – A new report commissioned by the Corn Refiners Association shows changes in state food labeling laws could cost consumers billions of dollars and hit budget-conscious consumers the hardest. According to the analysis, out-of-pocket expenses faced by consumers could increase by $2,200 per household in Texas and $900 per household in Louisiana. 

Following the release of the report, Corn Refiners Association President and CEO John Bode encouraged the Department of Justice to extend a comment period on a Request for Information concerning state laws with significant adverse effects on the national economy.  

“Everyone feels the impact of higher food prices, and any policy changes that will lead to higher grocery costs should be closely examined to avoid any unintended consequences,” said Bode. “Consumers face the prospect of a sharp increase in food prices due to policy changes authorized by state legislators. It is critical that the costs and benefits of food supply policy changes are purposefully assessed before increased costs are imposed on consumers.   

“The Trump Administration has made addressing onerous policy provisions a major priority, and these bills are a prime example of why such work is necessary,” Bode added. “We agree with the broad Trump policy of not creating new requirements that impose consumer costs without significant evidence that the benefits outweigh the cost. We asked the Department of Justice to extend the comment period so there would be a greater opportunity for our organization and other concerned stakeholders to perform a more robust economic analysis of the impacts on consumers.”  

The Department of Justice issued a Request for Information on Aug. 15 concerning state laws having significant effects on interstate commerce. The report, prepared by Policy Navigation Group at the request of the Corn Refiners Association, notes that the figures are a screening-level analysis conducted within the time constraints of a 30-day comment period offered by the Department of Justice.  

Further, the report noted incremental social costs – which include monetary differences for alternative products as well as the cost of needing to purchase less desirable alternatives – from the Texas legislation could total $64 billion, more than $7,200 per household; the social costs of the Louisiana bill could total $12 billion, about $1,300 per household.   

Passed by state legislators and signed into law in 2025, bills in Texas and Louisiana would enact food labeling requirements for specific ingredients that are widely used in the food industry in the U.S. and around the world.  

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About the Corn Refiners Association (CRA)  
The Corn Refiners Association (CRA) is the national trade association representing the corn refining industry of the United States. CRA and its predecessors have served this important segment of American agribusiness since 1913. Corn refiners manufacture sweeteners, starch, advanced bioproducts, corn oil and feed products from corn components such as starch oil, protein, and fiber.  

The post New Study Shows High Costs of State Food Policy Changes  appeared first on Corn Refiners Association.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Following the release of the Make America Healthy Again Commission’s slate of policy suggestions, Corn Refiners Association President and CEO John Bode released a statement encouraging the commission to pursue science-based legislative and regulatory activity in its efforts to improve American public health.

“CRA supports the Administration’s continued focus on improving public health, understanding that America’s food producers are a key partner in this effort,” said Bode. “The work of farmers, ranchers, and food manufacturers to provide a safe, affordable food supply should be commended. As the Administration and congressional leaders consider these policy recommendations, CRA is eager to partner in a thoughtful process grounded in science- and evidence-based methodologies focused on nutrient composition.

“Nutritional quality of the consumer diet is determined by the nutrient content of foods eaten, not the degree of processing. It would be counterproductive to discourage consumption of highly nutritious foods that meet real world consumer needs, like convenience or increased fiber, simply because the food is more processed.  American consumers have varying dietary needs, and innovation can help supply a diverse array of options to meet those needs.

“As the report emphasizes the importance of soil health, we are proud that American corn refiners have long supported the adoption of regenerative agriculture practices, such as cover crops, reduced or no-till, and crop rotations, on more than 5.5 million acres of U.S. farmland. That’s an area roughly the size of New Jersey. These efforts are improving soil health, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and enhancing water retention and biodiversity, all while helping farmers strengthen their operations.”

BACKGROUND
Today’s report includes a set of policy recommendations from the MAHA Commission, which is comprised of Trump Administration officials from the Departments of Agriculture, Education, Health and Human Services, Housing and Urban Development, and Veterans Affairs; the Environmental Protection Agency; and the White House. The report was directed by a February executive order creating the MAHA Commission.

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About the Corn Refiners Association (CRA)  
The Corn Refiners Association (CRA) is the national trade association representing the corn refining industry of the United States. CRA and its predecessors have served this important segment of American agribusiness since 1913. Corn refiners manufacture sweeteners, starch, advanced bioproducts, corn oil and feed products from corn components such as starch oil, protein, and fiber.  

The post Corn Refiners: Science – not Rhetoric – Should Guide MAHA Commission Work, Federal Policy appeared first on Corn Refiners Association.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Following the US-EU joint statement outlining an expanded trade framework, Corn Refiners Association President and CEO John Bode released a statement welcoming the progress.

“We are pleased to see American and European leaders continue the important work of improving trade relations between the U.S. and EU,” said Bode. “The Trump Administration’s prioritization of expanding market access for American agriculture is a welcome development, especially in important markets like the EU. We appreciate the commitment to work together to address non-tariff barriers affecting trade in food and agricultural products and consult on the digitization of trade procedures — both opportunities to make it easier for American agricultural exporters, including U.S. corn refiners, to trade with partners in the EU. ” 

In the Joint Statement on a United States – European Union Framework on an Agreement on Reciprocal, Fair, and Balanced Trade, the EU declared an intent to eliminate tariffs on U.S. industrial goods and offer preferential market access to many American agricultural goods. The United States committed to apply the Most Favored Nation tariff rate or a tariff rate of 15% on EU exports.  

The EU imported about $474 million of refined corn products from the United States in 2024, the 3^rd largest export market for U.S. refined corn products. Overall, the EU is the 4^th largest market for total exports of U.S. agricultural products.  

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About the Corn Refiners Association (CRA)  
The Corn Refiners Association (CRA) is the national trade association representing the corn refining industry of the United States. CRA and its predecessors have served this important segment of American agribusiness since 1913. Corn refiners manufacture sweeteners, starch, advanced bioproducts, corn oil and feed products from corn components such as starch oil, protein, and fiber.  

The post Corn Refiners Welcome Additional Details in US-EU Partnership appeared first on Corn Refiners Association.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Corn Refiners Association is pleased to announce changes to its government relations team that will strengthen the organization’s ability to offer leading issues management in agriculture and food policy for the corn refining industry.  

Danielle Beck, a knowledgeable leader in agriculture policy with more than 15 years of experience in delivering comprehensive results, will join the CRA team as the organization’s Vice President of Government Relations. Beck comes to CRA from Invariant, where she leveraged deep expertise in navigating the Farm Bill and annual appropriations processes to deliver policy wins for CRA and other clients. Prior to her time at Invariant, Beck was a senior executive director for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association following her time handling agriculture and food policy issues while working for Rep. Thomas Rooney (R-FL) on Capitol Hill.  

Additionally, Kent Roberson has been promoted to Senior Director of Government Relations. Roberson has been with CRA since 2021 and has played an integral role in building critical relationships to help advance CRA’s priorities in Washington and beyond. In addition to his work with CRA, Roberson is an elected official in the Maryland legislature, where he represents the state’s 25^th district. Roberson’s prior experience in Washington includes work advancing policy initiatives as a member of The Smith-Free Group, at CSX Transportation, and a term as a Marshal’s Aide for the United States Supreme Court.  

“Danielle and Kent’s new roles on CRA’s government relations team mark an important step in strengthening our advocacy and engagement in Washington,” said CRA President and CEO John Bode. “Danielle and Kent’s deep policy expertise and strong track records of strategic, results-driven advocacy will enhance our ability to deliver results for our members. I am confident that the entire government relations team will be well-positioned to navigate today’s complex policy landscape and advocate effectively for the corn refining industry.”  

Both Beck and Roberson will hold identical roles for the Plant Based Products Council, a feedstock-agnostic organization advocating for the advanced bioproducts industry.  

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About the Corn Refiners Association (CRA)  
The Corn Refiners Association (CRA) is the national trade association representing the corn refining industry of the United States. CRA and its predecessors have served this important segment of American agribusiness since 1913. Corn refiners manufacture sweeteners, starch, advanced bioproducts, corn oil and feed products from corn components such as starch oil, protein, and fiber.  

The post CRA Bolsters Government Relations Team, Welcomes Danielle Beck, Promotes Kent Roberson  appeared first on Corn Refiners Association.

Washington, D.C. – The Corn Refiners Association (CRA) applauds the bipartisan, bicameral reintroduction of the Biomanufacturing and Jobs Act, led by Sens. Joni Ernst (R-IA), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), and Pete Ricketts (R-NE). A companion house measure is led by Reps. Mark Alford (R-MO), Angie Craig (D-MN), Mark Messmer (R-IN), and Kristen McDonald Rivet (D-MI). This legislation will strengthen America’s leadership in biomanufacturing, expand markets for corn-based bioproducts, and support job creation across rural America. 

“The Corn Refiners Association is proud to support this legislative effort and looks forward to working with Congress, industry stakeholders, and rural leaders to ensure the continued advancement of the U.S. bioeconomy,” said John Bode, President and CEO of the Corn Refiners Association. “This legislation responds to growing consumer demand for American-made, corn-derived bioproducts. It’s a smart investment in manufacturing, rural economies, and our national competitiveness.”

The Biomanufacturing and Jobs Act strengthens the federal commitment to renewable, plant-based products by updating key USDA programs, improving purchasing standards, and expanding public awareness. It underscores the goal of advancing sustainable technologies, building resilient supply chains, and supporting American agriculture and manufacturing. 

The Biomanufacturing and Jobs Act enhances USDA’s BioPreferred Program, promoting wider adoption of renewable, bioproducts made from U.S. agricultural commodities like corn.  

The bill, a key part of CRA’s Farm Bill priorities, will update federal procurement standards to encourage greater use of biobased products, increase public outreach and training for procurement officials, initiate a national economic impact study to evaluate the bioeconomy, and strengthen domestic supply chains.  

These updates will create new market opportunities for corn refiners and help ensure the U.S. remains a global leader in biobased innovation and manufacturing. 

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About the Corn Refiners Association (CRA) 
The Corn Refiners Association (CRA) is the national trade association representing the corn refining industry of the United States. CRA and its predecessors have served this important segment of American agribusiness since 1913. Corn refiners manufacture sweeteners, starch, advanced bioproducts, corn oil and feed products from corn components such as starch oil, protein, and fiber. 

The post Corn Refiners Association Supports Bipartisan Biomanufacturing and Jobs Act to Advance U.S. Bioeconomy  appeared first on Corn Refiners Association.

CRA NEWS

CORN REFINERS COMMENT ON POTENTIAL PRODUCT REFORMULATIONS

Corn Refiners Association (CRA) President and CEO John Bode released a statement this month addressing reports of product reformulation consideration. “Replacing high fructose corn syrup with cane sugar doesn’t make sense,” Bode explained. “President Trump stands for American manufacturing jobs, American farmers, and reducing the trade deficit. Replacing high fructose corn syrup with cane sugar would cost thousands of American food manufacturing jobs, depress farm income, and boost imports of foreign sugar, all with no nutritional benefit.” 

Read President and CEO John Bode’s full comments.

NEW STUDY SHOWS ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE OF CORN REFINING

This month, the Corn Refiners Association released a report detailing the critical nature of the corn refining industry and its work to support rural economies across the country. The report — an independent analysis commissioned by CRA — was published amid suggestions that foods should be considered Ultra-Processed based on the content of certain ingredients or use of production practices, a classification that fails to consider nutritional content. 

Read CRA’s full press release and comments from Bode.

CORN REFINERS WELCOME CALLAHAN NOMINATION FOR KEY USTR POST

Bode released a statement following President Donald Trump’s announcement of the nomination of Dr. Julie Callahan to serve as the next Chief Ag Negotiator at the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR).  “We are thrilled by Dr. Julie Callahan’s nomination to this important position,” said Bode. “Dr. Callahan will be critical to help the Trump Administration achieve its ambitious trade agenda. She has our enthusiastic support, and we urge the Senate to work quickly to confirm her nomination.” 

Read Bode’s full comments. 

CRA CALLS FOR CERTAINTY FOR KEY FEDERAL PROGRAMS

Following Senate passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, Bode released a statement welcoming progress to support the nation’s farmers and ranchers and calling for bipartisan work to secure stability for the USDA BioPreferred Program. “As lawmakers continue their work on this package and other legislation in 2025, CRA stands ready to aid efforts to include an extension of USDA’s BioPreferred Program in a piece of legislation destined for President Trump’s desk,” he said. “This critical program supports farmers, rural communities, and domestic manufacturing jobs, and its continued success would be a tremendous benefit to the American economy.” 

Read Bode’s full comments.

CORN REFINERS JOIN EFFORT URGING PROTECTION OF TOMATO SUSPENSION AGREEMENT

The Corn Refiners Association joined 30 other organizations in a letter to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick calling for the Administration to update — rather than terminate — the U.S.-Mexico Tomato Suspension Agreement, which has protected food prices for U.S. consumers and maintained the strength of the interconnected North American market. “This is the wrong time to drive up U.S. consumer costs,” Bode said in a statement. “It is critical to our economies and regional food security that the governments of the United States, Mexico, and Canada support the flow of commerce and the integration of the North American market.” 

Read the full press release. 

MEMBER NEWS

PEPSICO AND CARGILL COLLABORATE TO EMPOWER FARMERS BY ADVANCING SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE

PepsiCo and Cargill are planning to expand regenerative agriculture practices across 240,000 acres of Iowa farmland by 2030. The collaboration will focus on the companies’ shared corn supply chain in Iowa, where Cargill sources from local farmers to produce ingredients used in some of PepsiCo’s most iconic products. The Practical Farmers of Iowa will implement this collaboration locally, providing technical guidance and financial incentives to farmers adopting regenerative agriculture practices. 

Read more about the initiative. 

ROQUETTE WELCOMES THIERRY FOURNIER AS NEW CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Earlier this month, Roquette welcomed Thierry Fournier as the company’s new Chief Executive Officer. Thierry has an international background in engineering and brings a wealth of experience and innovative thinking to the organization.  

Read more about Thierry Fournier. 

ADM HOSTS PANCAKE COOKOFF TO COMBAT FOOD INSECURITY

At the ADM Cares Pancake Cookoff, teams whipped up their best stacks using ADM ingredients in support of Bigger Table, a nonprofit connecting the region’s food and beverage industry to address food insecurity. 

Read more about the event.

KERNEL OF INNOVATION

DID YOU KNOW?

Fireworks use cornstarch to increase their burn time and to give them their explosive quality.

Learn more at Kernel of Innovation.

The post CRA Newsletter | August 4, 2025 appeared first on Corn Refiners Association.