CHESTERFIELD, MISSOURI, U.S. — National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) officers and senior staff gathered this week in Rhode Island, U.S., for the biannual NCGA Agri-Industry Council (AIC) meeting. Representatives of 16 leading agribusinesses discussed vital issues facing agriculture, shared information on their companies and sectors, heard from recognized speakers and learned about NCGA’s current initiatives. Established in 2007, the Agri-Industry Council facilitates dialogue between agribusinesses and NCGA to collectively address issues of mutual concern.

“NCGA’s AIC plays an important role in bringing key leaders from across the value chain together,” said Martin Barbre, NCGA chairman, who co-chairs the AIC. “Through open dialogue, we can all move forward with a better understanding of the big picture and coordinate to build a brighter future.”

Over the course of the meeting, attendees heard from government relations professionals, including Jon Doggett, NCGA vice-president of public policy, on how the current legislative environment and potential actions in the regulatory arena. NCGA officers and staff also provided updates on the association’s major projects and the 2015 corn crop outlook.

Featured speakers from outside of the agricultural community provided input and insight into some of the issues facing farmers today. Dan Kahan , Elizabeth K. Dollard Professor of Law and Professor of Psychology, Yale School of Law, provided his analysis of the agriculture and science communications environment as it pertains to climate change and GMOs. Kahan’s unique perspective led to an innovative analysis of the challenges facing the industry as it works to communicate with consumers, elected officials and regulators on these important issues.

NCGA’s AIC will meet next in March 2016 in Washington, D.C., U.S.