2021
Letter Offers Input On EPA's MSMA Interim Decision10/01/2021
The NCC sent a letter to EPA regarding the agency's upcoming interim decision on MSMA requesting that the decision's crop rotation restrictions be delayed so studies can be conducted/data collected. Learn more
Pyretrins Comments Extension Sought
10/01/2021
With the discovery that EPA planned significant restrictions on pyrethrin pesticides, the NCC joined 45 other groups on a letter asking for a 60-day extension for comments. Learn more
New Technology Importance Cited
09/24/2021
The NCC joined several other stakeholders in a letter of support to Sens. Deb Fischer (R-NE) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) who introduced the Precision Agriculture Loan Act -- and noted in the letter the importance of new farming technologies in enhancing productivity while providing conservation and environmental benefits. Learn more
Fact Sheet: Ag Disaster Assistance in Continuing Resolution
09/23/2021
The House Agriculture Committee compiled a fact sheet regarding the Continuing Resolution (CR) that provides critical assistance for producers across the country that have experienced severe weather conditions in 2020 and 2021. Learn more
Letter Relays Exporter Crisis/Shipping Concerns
09/13/2021
On September 13, more than 70 agriculture associations delivered another urgent plea for intervention to President Biden, USDA Secretary Vilsack, Secretary of Transportation Buttigieg, FMC Chair Maffei, the Chair of White House Council of Economic Advisors, and the US Attorney General. Learn more
No Small Business Tax Increases Urged
09/10/2021
The NCC joined multiple organizations representing millions of individually- and family-owned businesses on a letter to House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Richard Neal strongly urging rejection of any measures that would raise taxes on Main Street employers as part of the upcoming reconciliation bill. Learn more
Stepped Up Basis Support Conveyed
09/09/2021
The Family Business Estate Tax Coalition, of which the NCC, NCGA and ACP are members, sent a letter conveying support for continuation of stepped-up up basis to the House Ways and Means Committee's chairman and ranking member. Learn more
NCC Conveys Budget Reconciliation Tax Provisions Concerns
09/09/2021
The NCC, NCGA and ACP cosigned a letter, along with many state and regional cotton organizations, to the Senate Finance Committee and House Ways and Means Committee leadership regarding tax provisions in the budget reconciliation. Learn more
NCC Conveys Water Law Enforcement Concern
09/03/2021
The NCC filed comments to EPA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers outlining the confusion that enforcement of water law based on the pre-2015 rule could create by leading to misapplication of federal statutes and expanding federal water law by forcing landowner decisions regarding farming practices on private property. Learn more
WOTUS Rewrite Concerns Expressed
09/02/2021
The American Cotton Producers filed comments to EPA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (the Agencies) outlining strong reservations regarding the Agencies’ attempt to erase the Navigable Waters Protection Rule and rewrite federal water law. Learn more
NWPR Comment Period Extension Sought
08/27/2021
The NCC sent a letter to EPA and the Army Corps of Engineers seeking a 60-day extension of the 30-day comment period that ends on September 3 to provide written recommendations on their perspectives on defining WOTUS and how to implement the definition as the agencies pursue future rulemaking proceedings. Learn more
Genetic Engineering Comments Submitted
08/20/2021
The NCC and 12 other stakeholders commented on USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service’s proposal to “Exempt Plants with Additional Modifications Produced Using Genetic Engineering That are Otherwise Achievable by Conventional Breeding.” Learn more
NCC Endorses Shipping Reform Legislation
08/13/2021
The NCC joined other Agriculture Transportation Coalition member firms on a letter to Reps. John Garamendi (D-CA) and Dusty Johnson (R-SD) in support of their bill, “Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2021.” The letter noted that the bill’s provisions addressing unreasonable detention and demurrage charges, export cargo bookings, and other carrier practices, are essential to allow U.S. agriculture to remain competitive in global markets. Learn more
PPC Submits Scientific Policy Comments
07/30/2021
The Pesticide Policy Coalition, chaired by NCC's Steve Hensley, submitted comments to the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy requesting federal agencies to provide clear and understandable descriptions of their risk assessment methods for pesticides. Learn more
NCC Submits Scientific Integrity Comments
07/30/2021
As a stakeholder in the National Ambient Air Quality Standards Regulatory Review and Rulemaking Coalition, the NCC submitted comments to the the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy to help it improve the effectiveness of scientific integrity policies at federal agencies. Learn more
WHIP+ Extension Bill Supported
07/30/2021
NCC Chairman Kent Fountain and American Cotton Producers Chairman Mark McKean sent a letter to the House Agriculture Committee offering the cotton industry's strong support of a measure that would extend WHIP+ for 2020 and 2021. Learn more
Letter Conveys Rail Cost Concerns
07/30/2021
The NCC joined other members of the Escalation Consultants for the Rail Customer Coalition (RCC) on a letter to the Surface Transportation Board encouraging the STB to finalize reciprocal switching rules and to consider further steps that will at long last provide shippers with greater access to competitive rail service. Learn more
Moffitt Nomination Gets NCC Support
07/23/2021
The NCC joined onto a letter to Senate Agriculture, Nutrition & Forestry Committee leadership in support of Jennifer Moffitt for USDA Under Secretary of Marketing and Regulatory Programs, which includes both APHIS and AMS. Learn more
NCC Supports Bonnie Nomination
07/23/2021
The NCC joined onto a letter to Senate Agriculture, Nutrition & Forestry Committee leadership in support of Robert Bonnie for USDA Under Secretary of Farm Production and Conservation, which includes FSA, NRCS, and RMA. Learn more
Rail Competition Issue Addressed
07/20/2021
The NCC joined other members of the Agricultural Transportation Working Group on a letter to Surface Transportation Board leaders noting the organizations share President Biden’s desire for a more competitive rail industry and urging the STB to adopt his Executive Order initiatives aimed at enhancing rail competition and preventing railroads from abusing their market dominance. Learn more
Cotton Marketer Assistance Sought
07/09/2021
In a letter to Agriculture Secretary Thomas Vilsack, three key Congressional leaders from Georgia outlined the urgent need for assistance to U.S. cotton merchandisers. Learn more
CDL Modernization Supported
07/01/2021
The NCC, the American Cotton Producers and the National Cotton Ginner’s Association joined other agriculture groups on a letter in support of an amendment offered to the “INVEST in America Act” that would modernize the Farm-Related Restricted Commercial Driver’s License. Learn more
WOTUS Concerns Conveyed to EPA, Corps
06/30/2021
House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy, Republican Whip Steve Scalise, and more than 100 colleagues, sent a letter to EPA Administrator Regan and Acting Assistant Secretary of the Army Pinkham asking the agencies to retain the positive aspects of the Navigable Waters Protection Rule. Learn more
Coalition Backs GPS Bill
06/25/2021
The NCC joined a broad coalition of more than 80 organizations on a letter in support of the "RETAIN GPS and Satellite Communications Act." Learn more
FACA Letter Conveys Climate Act Support
06/25/2021
The Food and Agriculture Climate Alliance (FACA), of which NCC is a member, sent a letter to all Senators noting the Alliance groups’ strong support for the Growing Climate Solutions Act of 2021. Learn more
CDL Modernization Amendment Supported
06/15/2021
The NCC joined with the NCGA and other organizations on a letter to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation leadership in strong support of the Moran-Thune Amendment to the Surface Transportation Investment Act of 2021, which would modernize the Farm-Related Restricted Commercial Driver’s License. Learn more
DRIVE Safe Act Inclusion In Transportation Bill Urged
06/15/2021
The NCC joined with more than 120 organizations on a letter to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation leadership urging the inclusion of the DRIVE Safe Act as an amendment to the Surface Transportation Investment Act (S. 2016). Learn more
HOS Rules Improvement Supported
06/15/2021
The NCC, ACP and NCGA were among numerous organizations which signed onto a letter to the chairman and ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation conveying strong support of the Fischer-Tester Amendment to the Surface Transportation Investment Act of 2021 that would modernize the agricultural exemption to the hours-of-service rules. Learn more
NCC Supports EPA Ag Advisor Nominee
06/11/2021
The NCC joined 13 other groups in support of Rod Snyder as the new Agriculture Advisor to the EPA Administrator. He currently serves as president of Field to Market: The Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture. Learn more
Coalition Urges Immigration Overhaul
06/11/2021
The NCC, American Cotton Producers and the National Cotton Ginners’ Association joined members of the Agriculture Workforce Coalition on a letter to Senate leadership urging the Senate to pass an agriculture labor reform bill that provides the solution American agriculture needs. Learn more
NCC Conveys Surface Transportation Bill Suggestions
06/10/2021
A letter to the chairman and ranking member of the House Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure strongly discourages them from including in a surface transportation bill specific provisions regarding commercial motor vehicle insurance and hours of service rules saying their inclusion would add unnecessary costs to the U.S. agricultural supply chain and reduce U.S. agriculture’s international competitiveness. Learn more
Scott Urges No Inheritance Tax Increase
06/04/2021
House Agriculture Committee Chairman David Scott (D-GA) sent a letter to President Biden that signified support of the American Jobs Plan and American Family Plan, while emphasizing the need to protect farmers, ranchers, and small businesses from financial burden. Learn more
Letter Urges HOPR Act As USICA Amendment
05/28/2021
The NCC signed a letter along with 14 other organizations to Senate leadership urging inclusion of the Homeland Procurement Reform (HOPR) Act as an amendment to the U.S. Innovation and Competition Act (USICA). Learn more
Strong PPE Domestic Procurement Requirements Urged
05/28/2021
The NCC sent a letter to Senate leadership the week of May 24 requesting the inclusion of strong domestic procurement provisions for PPE products by major government purchasers. Learn more
Freedhoff Gets Senate Panel Nod For EPA Post Nomination
05/28/2021
The NCC joined 21 other stakeholders in a letter to the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee’s chairman and ranking member supporting the nomination of Michal Freedhoff as assistant administrator of EPA's Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention which oversees the Office of Pesticide Programs. Learn more
Support Conveyed For Seasonal Ag CDL
05/26/2021
The NCC joined other groups on letters to Senate and House transportation committees' leaders requesting their support for modernizing the Farm-Related Restricted Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). Learn more
Stepped-up Basis Support Conveyed
05/25/2021
The Family Business Estate Tax Coalition, of which the NCC is a member, sent a letter to leadership of both the House' Finance/Ways and Means committees, 1) stating the organizations' "unequivocal support for the continuation of stepped-up basis" and 2) urging those Congressional leaders to protect family-owned businesses from tax increases by defending stepped-up basis and opposing any changes to current law. Learn more
USTR Agriculture Negotiator Nomination Urged
05/21/2021
More than 60 agricultural organizations sent a May 14 letter to President Biden urging him to quickly nominate the USTR Chief Agricultural Negotiator. Learn more
MSMA Comments Submitted
05/21/2021
The NCC filed comments to the EPA on the proposed Interim Registration Review Decision for MSMA saying the herbicide is a critically important, irreplaceable weed control tool for America’s cotton producers. Learn more
Sound Tax Policy Protection Sought
05/12/2021
The Tax Aggie Coalition, of which NCC is a member, sent a letter signed by 41 national and regional agriculture organizations to House and Senate leadership to express significant concerns about legislative proposals that would jeopardize the future of family-owned farm and ranch businesses. Learn more
Ag Research Investment Urged
05/12/2021
The NCC joined with numerous national and regional organizations on a letter to leadership of the House and Senate agriculture committees thanking them for support for agricultural research, education, Extension, and innovation -- and strongly urging them to include a federal agricultural research infrastructure investment of $11.5 billion over a period of five years at U.S. colleges of agriculture. Learn more
Ag Biotech Alliance's Climate Smart Comments
04/30/2021
The Ag Biotech Alliance's comments regarding USDA's Climate-Smart Agriculture and Forestry Strategy highlighted the importance of access to new biotechnology varieties. Learn more
Ag Industry Stakeholders' Climate Smart Comments
04/30/2021
A broad group of stakeholders, including growers, landscapers, retailers, manufacturers, distributors, crop consultants, and applicators filed comments regarding USDA's Climate-Smart Agriculture and Forestry Strategy that emphasized pesticides' importance in combatting climate change. Learn more
FACA's Climate Smart Comments
04/30/2021
The Food and Agriculture Climate Alliance (FACA) provided comments regarding USDA's Climate-Smart Agriculture and Forestry Strategy that described how farmers, ranchers, forest owners and the food sector can deliver natural climate solutions. Learn more
Pesticide Policy Coalition's Climate Smart Comments
04/30/2021
The NCC-chaired Pesticide Policy Coalition comments regarding USDA's Climate-Smart Agriculture and Forestry Strategy noted the climate crisis can be addressed positively from research on crop protection tools and producers' continued access to modern crop protection inputs. Learn more
Letter Addresses Climate, Environment, Trade Policy
04/30/2021
The NCC joined 11 other agricultural organizations on a letter to USTR Katherine Tai in response to her recent comments about the convergence of trade policy, environment, and climate change issues. Learn more
Letter Conveys Port Concerns
04/30/2021
The NCC joined nearly 300 other groups on a letter to Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg requesting Department of Transportation’s immediate intervention to protect U.S. exporters and their access to foreign markets. Learn more
Climate Smart Comments Submitted
04/29/2021
The NCC, working in conjunction with the American Cotton Producers Climate Policy Working Group, filed comments on USDA’s request for stakeholder feedback on how to properly utilize USDA programs, funding, and their financial capabilities to encourage the adoption of climate-smart agriculture practices. Learn more
Growing Climate Solutions Act Summary
04/23/2021
This document offers a section by section summary of the Growing Climate Solutions Act of 2021. Learn more
NCC Supports Farm Stress Assistance Network
04/23/2021
The NCC joined other agriculture, rural and mental health professional organizations on a letter to leaders of the House and Senate agriculture appropriations subcommittees urging them to fully fund the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network for FY22. Learn more
DRIVE-Safe Act Support Conveyed
04/16/2021
The NCC joined more than 100 other organizations on a letter to the leadership of the Senate Commerce, Transportation and Science Committee and the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee highlighting the groups strong support for the DRIVE-Safe Act. Learn more
Letter Conveys Thanks For Estate Tax Repeal Legislation
04/09/2021
The NCC joined other members of the Family Business Estate Tax Coalition (FEBTC) on a letter to Reps. Sanford Bishop (D-GA) and Jason Smith (R-MO) thanking them for joining with Sen. John Thune (R-SD) in introducing the “Death Tax Repeal Act.” Learn more
NCC Supports Estate Tax Repeal Bill
04/09/2021
The NCC joined other members of the Family Business Estate Tax Coalition (FEBTC) on a letter to Sen. John Thune (R-SD) thanking him for introducing the “Death Tax Repeal Act.” Learn more
Phase One Agreement Cotton Highlights
04/08/2021
Included with a letter sent from the NCC and 35 other groups to USTR Katherine Tai and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack supporting the U.S.-China Phase One Trade Agreement was a document with specific Agreement sector highlights, including for cotton and cotton yarn. Learn more
Phase One Trade Agreement Support Conveyed
04/08/2021
The NCC joined a letter to U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack expressing strong support for the U.S.-China Phase One Trade Agreement and continuing work to maintain access to the China market for U.S. agriculture exports. Learn more
No Sequestration Cuts Urged
03/19/2021
The NCC joined 13 other agriculture groups on a letter to House leadership urging support for legislation ensuring no budget sequestration cuts to USDA mandatory programs. Learn more
China Phase One Importance Highlighted
03/19/2021
Rep. Jodey Arrington (R-TX) and 36 of his colleagues sent a letter to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and the U.S. Trade Representative office highlighting the importance of the Phase One trade deal with China. Learn more
Transportation Bill Opportunities Conveyed
03/18/2021
The NCC was among 69 organizations that sent a letter to Congressional Members emphasizing that the next surface transportation bill is an opportunity to enact policies that foster a more environmentally responsible, productive, and economically viable freight transportation system. Learn more
Agriculture Groups Support Death Tax Repeal Act
03/17/2021
The NCC joined other agriculture organizations on a letter thanking the House and Senate Member sponsors of the Death Tax Repeal Act (H.R. 1712) (S. 617) and conveying their enthusiastic support. Learn more
NCC Supports PPE Filing Deadline Extension
03/16/2021
The NCC joined more than 90 groups in support of the bipartisan PPP Extension Act of 2021, urging Congress to extend the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) filing deadline by two months, to May 31. Learn more
Representatives' Letter Cites Container Shortage Concerns
03/12/2021
A bipartisan group of more than 100 Representatives noted “With more than 20 percent of U.S. agricultural production aimed for export, reaching foreign markets is essential to American producers and the viability of our agricultural sector at large. Learn more
Senators Convey Container Shortage Concerns
03/12/2021
A group of Senators sent a letter to the Federal Maritime Commission regarding the lack of containers for agricultural commodities as a result of empty containers being shipped back to foreign ports. Learn more
NCC Joins Letter Supporting Death Tax Repeal Bill Reintroduction
03/10/2021
The NCC joined numerous other organizations on a letter to Sen. John Thune R-SD) and Rep. Jason Smith (R-MO) in support of legislation they reintroduced -- Death Tax Repeal Act of 2021 (S. 617 & H.R. 1712). Learn more
Climate Change Statement Submitted
03/05/2021
A group of 16 agricultural stakeholder groups, including the NCC, submitted a "Statement for the Record" to the House Agriculture Committee’s Climate Change Hearing. Learn more
QLA Enrollment Deadline March 5; Q&A Available
03/03/2021
A NCC-prepared question/answer document provides eligibility information regarding USDA's Quality Loss Program (QLA). Learn more
PPP Disparity Remedy Sought
02/26/2021
More than 30 agriculture groups, including the NCC, sent a letter to the leadership of the House and Senate small business committees regarding a disparity that was created in the Small Business Administration’s interpretation of the law surrounding the Paycheck Protection Program. Learn more
Senators Seek Action From Maritime Committee Chairman
02/26/2021
Sens. John Boozman (R-AR) and Roger Wicker (R-MS), sent a letter to the chairman of the Federal Maritime Committee regarding detention and demurrage obligations by ocean carriers and maritime terminal operators. Learn more
Ocean Cargo Concern Relayed
02/26/2021
The NCC joined more than 70 agriculture and forest products associations on a letter to President Biden regarding detrimental actions of ocean container carriers and marine terminal operators. Learn more
Letter to Administration Conveys Crop Insurance Support
02/26/2021
The NCC joined numerous other agricultural organizations on a letter to the Administration in support of crop insurance. Learn more
Letter to Appropriations Panels Conveys Crop Insurance Support
02/26/2021
The NCC joined numerous other agricultural organizations on letters to the House and Senate appropriations committees supporting crop insurance. Learn more
Letter to Budget Panels Conveys Crop Insurance Support
02/26/2021
As the budget and appropriations process begins for FY22, the NCC joined numerous other agricultural organizations on letters to the House and Senate budget committees supporting crop insurance. Learn more
Fertilizer Duties Concern Conveyed
02/19/2021
The NCC joined the American Soybean Association and the National Corn Growers Association on comments for the hearing record to the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) on the petition by the Mosaic Company for countervailing duties on Russian and Moroccan imports of phosphate fertilizer. Learn more
NCC Supports Bronaugh Nomination
02/12/2021
The NCC joined numerous other agricultural organizations on a letter to Senate Agriculture, Nutrition & Forestry Committee Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and Ranking Member John Boozman (R-AR) in support of Dr. Jewel Bronaugh to serve as Deputy Secretary of Agriculture.<br /> Learn more
Letter Outlines Merchant Sector's Pandemic-Related Assistance Needs
02/12/2021
NCC Chairman Kent Fountain sent a letter to leadership of the Senate and House agriculture committees outlining the ongoing need for cotton merchandisers and noting that the pandemic losses faced by that sector have not yet been addressed. Learn more
NCC Joins Business Groups Opposing NOL Rollback
02/12/2021
The NCC recently joined dozens of other associations and groups representing small businesses on a letter to leaders of the Senate Finance Committee opposing efforts being discussed in Congress to retroactively repeal last year’s Net Operating Loss (NOL) relief enacted in the CARES Act. Learn more
Letter Provides Freight Transportation Recommendations
02/05/2021
The NCC joined with other organizations on a letter to newly confirmed Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg regarding recommendations for the three major freight transportation modes. Learn more
NCC Joins Onto Infrastructure Letter
02/05/2021
The NCC joined numerous organizations that are members of the Rebuild Rural coalition on a letter to President Biden requesting his support for rebuilding infrastructure in rural America. Learn more
Members Send H-2A Worker Entry Letter
02/05/2021
The important role that H-2A guest workers play in the agricultural supply chain was highlighted in a letter that 45 U.S. Representatives sent to Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Acting Homeland Security Secretary David Pekoske. Learn more
NCC Supports Tai Nomination
01/29/2021
The NCC and more than 100 other groups and organizations sent a letter to the Senate Finance Committee leadership urging a swift and timely confirmation of Katherine Tai, the nominee for the U.S. Trade Representative. Learn more
Regan Support Letter Submitted
01/22/2021
The NCC and 22 other agricultural organizations sent a letter of support for Michael Regan -- expected to be President Biden's pick to head EPA -- to the Senate Environmental & Public Works Committee praising Regan's experience in reaching out to agricultural stakeholders while in his role as Secretary of North Carolina's Department of Environmental Quality. Learn more
Letter Supports STB Chairman Oberman Selection
01/22/2021
The NCC joined more than 20 other agriculture organizations on a letter to President Biden urging him to designate Martin Oberman as chair of the Surface Transportation Board. Learn more
NCC Endorses USDA Nominee Vilsack
01/22/2021
The NCC and most other national agricultural organizations sent a letter to the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition & Forestry Committee leadership urging the confirmation of Secretary of Agriculture nominee Thomas Vilsack. Learn more
NCC Supports Confirmation of SBA Nominee
01/22/2021
The NCC recently joined dozens of other agriculture, small business, and other industry groups on a letter to the leadership of the Senate Small Business Committee in support of President Biden’s nominee of Isabel Guzman to be administrator of the Small Business Administration. Learn more
Ag Innovation Strategy Finalized
01/15/2021
USDA announced the publication of a final U.S. Ag Innovation Strategy document and an associated interactive dashboard. Learn more
Paraquat Comments Filed, Concerns Relayed
01/14/2021
The NCC filed comments with EPA regarding its Proposed Interim Decision for paraquat. Learn more
USDA Extends Marketing Loan Term
01/14/2021
USDA announced implementation of the marketing assistance loan term extension to 12 months, which was authorized in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021. Learn more