November 10, 2022

WASHINGTON – Today, the Corn Refiners Association (CRA) and the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) once again urged lawmakers to take action to prevent a freight rail work stoppage that would cripple U.S. agricultural production and supply chains and exacerbate food price inflation. In letters sent to the White House and Congress, the associations expressed that freight rail service disruptions in preparation for a work stoppage are already having consequences that could soon be felt acutely worldwide.

“Like we saw in September, it is crucial that the U.S. avoid a freight rail work stoppage of any length,” said John Bode, President and CEO of the Corn Refiners Association. “Amongst record-low water levels obstructing barge service on the Mississippi River, corn growers, corn refiners, and all of America’s farmers need reliable rail service now more than ever to continue feeding the world. Consumers worldwide cannot afford further disruption to our global supply chain.”

Railroads originate 24% of U.S. grain shipments, of which approximately half (691,000 carloads) is corn, and that demand is likely to go up in the short-term as record-low water levels continue to hinder grain transportation on the Mississippi River. In preparation for a potential work stoppage in September, Class I railroads halted shipments of some grains and ingredients essential to fertilizer production a week in advance of the deadline.

You can view the full letter here.

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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.