Policy

The U.S. must have an aggressive export policy aimed at capturing world wheat and barley markets. Our government must concentrate on trade policy that enhances our competitiveness in world markets.

1. MGGA supports preserving and expanding export credit and food donation programs under current World Trade Organization agreements.
2. MGGA supports World Trade Organization harmonization of trade distorting subsidies to a percentage of total ag production. We support the elimination of export subsidies and export restrictions. Export state trading enterprises should be forced to operate at risk of the market on a voluntary and transparent basis.
3. MGGA urges Congress to create and fully fund an enforcement body within USTR in order to pursue new and aggressive enforcement of existing bilateral and unilateral trade agreements and WTO accession obligations particularly as it relates to agricultural trade distortions. (Revised 2020)
4. MGGA supports a fully functioning WTO appellate body. (New 2019)
5. MGGA urges the development of new and creative export programs that provide a way to compete with subsidized sales and unfair currency adjustments from foreign countries.
6. MGGA calls on US trade negotiators to preserve total domestic farm program spending at no less than authorized in the 2014 farm bill while recognizing the importance of moving toward less trade distorting programs. (Revised 2015)
7. MGGA vigorously defends the right of US producers to maintain minimally trade‐distorting programs that allow U.S. producers to remain competitive in spite of environmental pressures and competing land uses.
8. MGGA encourages US Trade Representatives to vigorously pursue new bi-lateral trade agreements. (New 2017)
9. MGGA supports legislation to eliminate unilateral food sanctions.
10. MGGA supports maintaining in‐kind humanitarian food aid. (Revised 2008)
11. MGGA supports eliminating barriers and any US import tariffs which restrict US ag producers’ access to worldwide crop inputs.
12. MGGA supports full and immediate free trade of functionally equivalent crop protection compounds.
13. MGGA supports providing reciprocal research, registration and regulation of crop protection and biotech products between the US and other countries.
14. MGGA urges the development of markets for biotech crops with customer demand and acceptance. This should be a cooperative effort between consumers, producers, agribusiness and government.
15. MGGA supports the creation of trading structures to preserve the identity of wheat and barley varieties and region or origin, according to the needs of our customers.
16. MGGA supports maintaining Trade Promotion Authority. (Revised 2015)
17. MGGA urges changes to the Canadian varietal registration act, resulting in reciprocal treatment of US and Canadian varieties. (New 2018)
18. MGGA urges prompt and comprehensive resolution of trade issues with China that will benefit Montana ag producers. (New 2018)
19. MGGA supports legislation expanding trade and travel with Cuba. (Modified 2011)
20. MGGA supports legislation to overturn the OFAC (Office of Foreign Asset Control) policy of “cash payment in advance” as it relates to trade with Cuba.
21. MGGA supports US entry into the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), with lower tariffs, increased market access, establishment of uniform rules‐based trading, and a rapid dispute settlement option. (Revised 2019)
22. MGGA supports significantly increasing the Market Access Program (MAP) and Foreign Market Development (FMD) funding levels. (Revised 2019)
23. MGGA supports continued cooperation among grain producers, the Montana Wheat & Barley Committee, merchandisers, and transporters to expand Montana wheat and barley markets.

Current crop insurance programs need to provide adequate risk management for producers. Crop insurance reform must provide producers an acceptable level of risk management at an affordable cost for all crops.  (Revised 2009)

1. MGGA opposes any restrictions on eligibility for program participation based on a producer’s Adjusted Gross Income, any caps on the federal cost-share level and any restrictions on a producer’s ability to utilize the Harvest Price Option. (New 2017)
2. MGGA supports an inverted premium subsidy system that provides higher subsidies at the higher coverage levels.
3. MGGA supports continued improvement of revenue insurance products. (2008)
4. MGGA supports ‘T yields’ that more accurately reflect actual yields in a production area excluding years of declared disaster. (2008)
5. MGGA supports an increase in the ‘T yield’ plug to 85% for all producers. (Revised 2020)
6. MGGA supports the separation of spring wheat, durum and winter wheat for crop insurance policies.
7. MGGA supports the separation of crop practice (CC‐continuous crop or SF‐summer fallow) for optional unit structure on the same crop for indemnity payments. (Revised 2009)
8. MGGA supports the continuation of the winter coverage endorsement option crop insurance coverage.
9. MGGA supports implementation of adjustment yield losses of 90% or more to be paid at 100% for all crop insurance.
10. MGGA supports changes in crop insurance regulations to allow irrigated producers to maintain irrigated coverage in times of drought‐caused reductions in available irrigation water. (Revised 2009)
11. MGGA urges the use of quality adjustment factors that more accurately reflect market discounts.
12. MGGA supports reforming multi‐peril crop insurance (MPCI) quality loss adjustments for weather and disease related losses to reflect a change in market price instead of reducing production quantities by factors that do not reflect the current market. (New 2014)
13. MGGA supports Risk Management Agency adoption of a separate quality loss discount schedule for DHV in spring wheat. (Revised 2016)
14. MGGA recommends that prevented planting be a separate option with its own premium.
15. MGGA supports the preservation of optional crop insurance unit structures.
16. MGGA supports Risk Management Agency coverage of grain crops that are harvested for hay.
17. MGGA supports Risk Management Agency coverage that more accurately reflects contract price for seed stocks and specialty crops that are contracted through a licensed merchandiser or seed dealer.
18. MGGA supports a forage policy closing date and reporting deadlines that more accurately reflect the season in which the crop is planted. (New 2013)
19. MGGA supports the producer’s right to accept or reject Risk Management Agency administrative policy changes implemented after the sign‐up date for that current year.
20. MGGA challenges the use of inequitable “pack factors” in determining grain volumes for crop insurance purposes.
21. MGGA requests an advance of no less than 75% of estimated indemnities in disputed and audit cases. (Revised 2009)
22. MGGA opposes automatic audits for indemnity payments less than $500,000 per crop. (New 2017)
23. MGGA supports a staggered penalty structure for crop insurance yield erroneous reporting of production. (New 2019)
24. MGGA supports Risk Management Agency crop loss coverage on all fire related losses. (New 2009)
25. MGGA opposes the reduction of crop insurance subsidies and also opposes premium subsidy and payment caps.
26. MGGA opposes means testing for federal crop insurance eligibility.
27. MGGA supports a provision to allow the transfer of existing APH databases if all involved parties agree. (New 2013)
28. MGGA seeks enforcement of legislation for segregated commodity traded funds to be protected and remain segregated. (New 2011)
29. MGGA supports changes to the federal bankruptcy law to protect a producer’s security interests. (New 2012)
30. MGGA supports higher bonding levels for online commodity brokerage. (New 2018)
31. MGGA opposes a producer funded elevator indemnity pool. (New 2011)
32. MGGA supports inclusion of information in grain purchase contracts which details the availability of bonding or insurance on deferred payment agreements. (Revised 2012)
33. MGGA supports the Montana State Hail Board retaining a two‐year loss reserve. (New 2014)
34. MGGA supports the optional use of certified scale tickets and grain cart weights to calculate unit production. (Revised 2017)
35. MGGA supports voluntary crop insurance incentives for conservation practices including but not limited to cover crops. These incentives must take into account all cropping systems and be regionally specific, recognizing the different production systems. (New 2021)
36. MGGA supports margin protection coverage for all crop classes. (New 2022)
37. MGGA supports the Risk Management Agency broadening the list of insurable crops across all counties in Montana. (New 2022)
38. MGGA supports the Risk Management Agency insuring mustard and camelina at the growers APH, but not above 100 percent of the contractual yield. (New 2022)
39. MGGA supports the Risk Management Agency offering coverage for intercropping practices. (New 2022)

Research should be directed at providing maximum economic value of ag products and cutting-edge technology to producers. This commitment must be focused on producers competing in world markets, equipping them with tools to add value to the commodities, and protecting our environment.

1. MGGA supports federal, private and other funding of an accelerated research program for the control of sawflies, wheat blossom midge and other detrimental insects in Montana including a parasite implementation program.
2. MGGA supports research of out‐crossing of biotech plants into crops and weeds and the determination of a reasonable threshold for adventitious or accidental presence of bio‐tech traits in non‐biotech crops. (Revised 2009)
3. MGGA endorses the joint National Association of Wheat Growers/US Wheat Biotechnology Position Statement. (Revised 2009)
4. MGGA supports the draft statement of Canadian, American and Australian organizations (June 5, 2014) on the release of biotech/genetically modified wheat.
5. With respect to glyphosate tolerant wheat, MGGA strongly encourages biotech providers to introduce the crop with volunteer control packages that are readily available and at least as cost effective as current generic glyphosate production systems. (Revised 2014)
6. MGGA supports research aimed at improving and increasing the end uses of Montana wheat and barley, including research utilizing advanced breeding technologies. (Revised 2018)
7. MGGA supports the concept that the use of CRISPR, and similar single-gene editing techniques, does not make an organism genetically modified. (New 2020)
8. MGGA supports promotion, research and expansion of Montana bio-based products including farm grown bio fuel and lubricants. (Revised 2020)
9. MGGA supports research for higher value crops including industrial and non‐food uses.
10. MGGA supports a base budget increase for MAES (Montana Ag Experiment Station). (Revised 2014)
11. MGGA encourages filling all vacancies in the Montana Ag Experiment Station (MAES) system. (New 2013)
12. MGGA supports the expansion of agricultural research and education within the Montana University System. (New 2015)
13. MGGA supports MSU Extension programs to better transfer technology from MAES (Montana Ag Experiment Station) and the MSU (Montana State University) system to Montana producers. (Revised 2016)
14. MGGA strongly encourages transparency in the MSU tech transfer process. (New 2015)
15. MGGA supports MSU plant breeding and development programs capturing significant market value from the commercialization of any varieties or intellectual properties released to the public or licensed to private industry and the return of all proceeds to the plant development program. MGGA encourages MSU to pursue a framework of variety release that meets that goal. (New 2015)
16. MGGA supports separate state funding specifically for long range building for Montana Agricultural Experiment Station. Once funding is allocated, MAES will have complete budgetary control. (Revised 2016)
17. MGGA supports the long range building plans of Montana Ag Experiment Station facilities. (Revised 2020)
18. MGGA supports research and education to develop new control methods for herbicide resistant weeds and problem grassy weeds. (Revised 2014)
19. MGGA supports the development and research of proactive management strategies for noxious weeds and invasive plants that are known or thought to present a problem. (New 2016)
20. MGGA supports the exploration and production of commercial fertilizer in the US. (2008)
21. MGGA supports increased research and education for farm produced green manure and other fertility systems which can replace commercial fertilizer.
22. MGGA supports the concept that any farm data generated on the farm belongs to the farm operator. (Revised 2018)
23. MGGA supports credible climate research that benefits Montana agricultural producers. (Revised 2017)
24. MGGA supports the retention of the insect unit at the USDA Ag Research Service Lab in Sidney. (New 2016)
25. MGGA opposes county or local governments having the power to regulate the cultivation, registration or labeling of seeds. (New 2016)
26. MGGA opposes the use of buckwheat in cover crop mixes. (Retained 2017)
27. MGGA supports federal, private and other funding for research on cause, effect and solutions for soil acidification and soil salinity. (Revised 2020)
28. MGGA opposes the Food and Drug Administration releasing results of investigations without peer review or adequate scientific review. (New 2019)
29. MGGA supports the development and use of Blockchain/Traceability technology within the commodity and food processing industry. (New 2020)
30. MGGA opposes a national wheat checkoff. (Revised 2018)
31. MGGA supports the Montana Wheat & Barley Committee and their activities and mandates that the appointment of director(s) shall be from candidates recommended by at least one of these organizations: the Montana Grain Growers Association (MGGA), the Montana Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF), the Montana Farmers Union (MFU), or the Women Involved in Farm Economics (WIFE). (New 2014)
32. MGGA recommends that the executive director and staff of the Montana Wheat & Barley Committee be hired by the Montana Wheat & Barley Committee.
33. MGGA recommends that the Montana Wheat & Barley Committee have complete budgetary control over the assessment money.
34. MGGA supports the Montana State Grain Lab, including policies that will make the State Grain Lab sustainable. (2008)
35. MGGA supports the Montana State Seed Lab, including policies that will make it sustainable. (2008)
36. MGGA supports funding for the Montana State University Schutter Diagnostics Lab. (New 2012)
37. MGGA supports the development of robotic farm equipment. (New 2020)
38. MGGA supports development of a more consistent phosphorous soil test given the increase in soil acidification. (New 2021)
39. MGGA supports the development of the Precision Ag program at Montana State University.(New 2022)
40. MGGA supports the separation of Montana Wheat and Barley Committee from State Administration. (New 2022)

1. MGGA encourages approaching environmental problems and concerns through education and cooperation. (Revised 2010)
2. MGGA opposes environmental mandates by government agencies that are detrimental to production agriculture operations. (New 2010)
3. MGGA believes the burning of residue on agricultural fields is a local issue and should not be regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency or the US Department of Agriculture.
4. MGGA opposes EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) regulation of dust from common agricultural practices and county roads. (Modified 2011)
5. MGGA opposes net expansion of Conservation Reserve Program acreage. (Revised 2017)
6. MGGA urges limiting acreage on all new Conservation Reserve Program contracts to no more than 25% of total cropland acres of any owner.
7. MGGA supports Conservation Reserve Program rental rates that are reflective of cash rental rates in any given area.
8. MGGA supports individual counties to reserve 1 to 5% of the available acreage each signup period for Conservation Reserve Program continuous sign‐up proactive before the 25% cap is reached.
9. MGGA supports the implementation of biomass fuel crops on Conservation Reserve Program acres with a reduction of Conservation Reserve Program payments.
10. MGGA supports re‐establishment of lost crop base acres on Conservation Reserve Program acres providing the land goes back into agricultural production. (Revised 2014)
11. MGGA supports monitoring Conservation Reserve Program ranking criteria. (Revised 2009)
12. MGGA supports County FSA determination of Conservation Reserve Program emergency haying dates. (New 2017)
13. All new conservation programs should offer credit to producers for practices already implemented.
14. MGGA supports individual voluntary conservation enhancement and opposes increased, mandated conservation practice participation in Title 1, Federal Crop Insurance or other federal farm programs. (New 2016)
15. MGGA supports full funding and full implementation of the Conservation Stewardship Program and Environmental Quality Incentive Program. (Revised 2020)
16. MGGA supports local input from producers on new Conservation Stewardship Program enhancements. (New 2014)
17. MGGA supports allowing local Natural Resources Conservation Service officials to permit deviations on a case by case basis within the confines of a Conservation Stewardship Program contract in an effort to address localized problems in a cost effective way.
18. MGGA opposes the listing of the prairie dog, wolf and the sage grouse as a threatened or endangered species. (Revised 2017)
19. MGGA supports delisting of the grizzly bear from the endangered species list. (New 2017)
20. MGGA opposes free roaming bison/buffalo in the state of Montana. (New 2012)
21. MGGA supports research into cost effective and environmentally safe ways of controlling burrowing pests and feral hogs. (Revised 2020)
22. MGGA encourages the control of all weeds on transportation right of ways and recreation access sites. (Revised 2016)
23. MGGA supports increased technical assistance and incentive‐based water quality programs that are administered at the local level to meet Total Maximum Daily Load requirements.
24. MGGA supports retaining the word “navigable” or other wording that protects ag interests such as, but not limited to property rights, in the Clean Water Act. (New 2009)
25. MGGA is opposed to any climate change legislation until it can be assured that production agriculture will not be put in a negative economic position. (ie – costs in excess of potential income from carbon sequestration). Furthermore, MGGA believes that other major carbon emitting countries should be participating in similar greenhouse gas regulation so as not to put the American farmer at a disadvantage in the global marketplace. Finally, if any climate change legislation is enacted, the US Department of Agriculture should be the controlling authority to promulgate and administer the programs to the producers. (New 2009)
26. MGGA opposes expansion of Environmental Protection Agency regulation beyond current FIFRA (Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act) regulation of pesticides. (New 2010)
27. MGGA supports fair and objective implementation of the Food Quality Protection Act that requires the Environmental Protection Agency to base re‐registration of pesticides on actual use data.
28. MGGA opposes any zero tolerance language used in determining pesticide residue levels. (New 2018)
29. MGGA opposes increase of EPA regulations on private pesticide applicator training. (Revised 2020)
30. MGGA supports MSU Extension retaining responsibility for coordination of the private pesticide applicator certification and training program. (Revised 2016)
31. MGGA supports full funding of the MSU Extension Pesticide Education Program. (New 2016)
32. MGGA supports maintaining the renewable fuel standards mandate. (New 2011)
33. MGGA opposes Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasure (SPCC) regulations for agricultural operations. (Revised 2013)
34. MGGA opposes California’s Proposition #65 regarding its application to agricultural commodities. (New 2017)
35. MGGA supports the continued use of glyphosate for all on-label applications. (New 2018)
36. MGGA supports voluntary soil health practices. (New 2021)
37. MGGA strongly urges that Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks Commission will require Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks to follow and implement MCA 87-1-323 to maintain all Hunting Districts at or below the sustainable animal numbers as set in law. Or, FWP compensate Montana ag producers on Montana land for lost ag income if landowner is giving public access to antlerless hunting. (New 2021)
38. MGGA supports the levels of greenhouse gases from wildfires to be included and compared when other forms of greenhouse gas emissions are considered. (New 2021)

1. MGGA supports extending the $500,000 residential capital gains exemption to include agricultural farmsteads.
2. MGGA supports retention of the increased exemption from estate taxes and retention of the stepped up cost basis. (Revised 2018)
3. MGGA supports maintaining the Section 179 deduction at $1,000,000 with a $2,000,000 cap. (Revised 2018)
4. MGGA supports maintaining a depreciation (cost recovery system) which preserves a single purpose agricultural building classification and also qualifies these structures for Section 179. (Revised 2016)
5. MGGA supports legislation that retains the 100% bonus depreciation on all farm business assets. (Revised 2018)
6. MGGA supports the reinstatement of a graduated corporate tax rate in taxable income for C corps. (Revised 2021)
7. MGGA supports the permanent reinstatement of a 100% deduction for farm meals for C corps. (Revised 2019)
8. MGGA supports a permanent provision to allow for current year income to be 100% offset by a net operating loss carried forward. (Revised 2020)
9. MGGA supports the reinstatement of the domestic production activities deduction (199a) for C-corps with less than $1 million gross revenue. (New 2018)
10. MGGA opposes imposition of accrual accounting on agricultural enterprises. (New 2013)
11. MGGA supports the deductibility of an employer’s health insurance premium and medical expenses paid on behalf of employees as a business expense on its tax return. (Revised 2016)
12. MGGA is opposed to the taxation of health care benefits for employees.
13. MGGA is opposed to financial transaction taxes. (New 2019)
14. MGGA supports the elimination of the Montana business equipment tax on agricultural equipment. (2008)
15. MGGA will participate in the discussion of state taxation options for the purpose of a more equitable and simplified tax system. (Revised 2017)
16. MGGA supports representation at the state legislature in the event of tax reform strategy proposals to see that agriculture interests are treated fairly.
17. MGGA Grain News and website will report information on current agricultural tax issues.
18. MGGA supports retention of the unlimited Section 1031 like kind exchange rules for business or investment real estate. (New 2020)
19. MGGA opposes a capital gain tax on the transfer of appreciated assets at death or by gift. (New 2021)
20. MGGA opposes any increases to the individual income and capital gain tax rates. (New 2021)
21. MGGA opposes the limitation of valuation discounts when valuing interests in closely held businesses. (New 2021)
22. MGGA opposes any new limitations in the utilization in grantor trusts. (New 2021)
23. MGGA supports an increase in the section 2032(a) special use valuation discount for estate tax purposes. (New 2021)
24. MGGA opposes retroactive application of new tax law changes. (New 2021)
25. MGGA supports 45Q tax credits for farmers to encourage ongoing management of conservation practices and options for producers to begin or expand conservation/carbon sequestration and greenhouse gases reduction efforts. (New 2021)
26. MGGA supports the permanent retention of the section 199A qualified business income deduction. (New 2022)
27. MGGA supports a provision for the full current deduction of qualified research and development expenses, retroactive to January 1, 2022. (New 2022)

MGGA recognizes that an efficient, affordable, and accessible transportation system is essential to the economy of Montana. MGGA will work to improve all modes of transportation that affect trade and provide services to Montana agriculture.

RAIL:

1. MGGA supports total access to the Canadian rail system.
2. MGGA supports the development of spur lines to connect with the Canadian Pacific railroad.
3. MGGA will support legislation that allows competitive access to rail lines to create competition for captive rail shippers.
4. In the event of a rail right‐of‐way abandonment, MGGA supports the concept of requiring rail property to be offered for sale first to adjacent landowners at certified appraised fair market value.
5. MGGA supports federal transportation legislation and other reforms that will provide reasonable rates and service. (New 2009)
6. MGGA recommends that Congress require the Surface Transportation Board be more receptive to producer concerns. (Revised 2009)
7. MGGA supports expanding and improving railroad infrastructure in Montana. (Revised 2016)
8. MGGA supports maintenance and expansion of intermodal services for ag products.
9. MGGA supports any attempt to reopen or reactivate defacto abandoned rail lines for commercial transportation by Class I or short line railroads.
10. MGGA supports formal and informal mediation of rail freight issues with our rail carriers and arbitration of disputes when necessary, including continuation of the Alternative Dispute Resolution agreement between Montana wheat and barley producers and BNSF Railway. (Modified 2012)
11. MGGA supports participation in the Ag Rail Business Council by Montana grain producers and BNSF Railway. (New 2012)
12. MGGA supports grain producer representation on BNSF Railway’s Customer Advisory Board. (New 2012)
13. MGGA supports research into more efficient modes of transportation.

WATER:

14. MGGA will work to maintain access to and maintenance of the Columbia/Snake Waterway.
15. MGGA supports reform of the Jones Act and Cargo Preference laws. (Revised 2017)
16. MGGA opposes removal of dams on navigable water ways. (New 2021)

TRUCK:

16. MGGA supports standardization of trucking regulations between states and Canada for weight, length and oversize at no less than Montana standards. (Revised 2012)
17. MGGA urges Montana Department of Transportation to maintain & improve farm to shuttle facility roads to handle increased loads and traffic.
18. MGGA supports changes to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulations so that the 150‐mile radius producer exemption applies to all producers even when they cross governmental jurisdiction lines to market their commodity. (Revised 2018)
19. MGGA supports federal legislation that allows producers exemption from International Fuel Tax Agreement regulations for travel within 150‐mile radius regardless of crossing governmental jurisdiction lines. (Modified 2011)
20. MGGA supports a farm to market exemption from interstate commerce regulatory enforcement to allow the movement of a commodity from the farm gate to its first point of delivery. (Revised 2015)
21. MGGA supports the exemption from Food Safety Modernization Act regulations for crops transported from farms to first point of delivery. (New 2017)
22. MGGA supports exempting agricultural products and inputs from the Electronic Logging Device Regulations. (New 2017) (Revised 2022)
23. MGGA opposes the $10 overweight permit required while still within the 10% overage allowance on truck weight.
24. MGGA opposes single point driver’s license hazardous materials endorsement processing. MGGA supports expanded authority for the Montana Department of Motor Vehicles to process all hazardous materials licensing at every facility. (New 2016)
25. MGGA supports Montana Department of Transportation adopting a dye inspection standard with allowable adventitious levels. (Revised 2019)
26. MGGA supports an agricultural exemption from required schooling for obtaining a CDL in Montana (New 2022)

OTHER:

26. MGGA supports legislation requiring the Federal Grain Inspection Service (FGIS) take whatever actions necessary to immediately restore official grain inspection and weighing service wherever and whenever it is disrupted. (New 2014)
27. MGGA opposes any work slowdown or stoppage by international longshoremen that impedes the regular flow of grain from Montana to our customers. (New 2014)
28. MGGA supports an agricultural exemption up to 36 inches from the Department of transportation for the “Call before you dig” program. (New 2016)
29. MGGA opposes any regulations that restrict movement of agricultural equipment on public roads. (New 2019)
30. Recreational UAS use by farmers scouting their own (or neighbor’s) fields should be classified as recreational by the FAA. (New 2020)
31. MGGA supports the rights of farmers to maintain and repair their own equipment. (New 2020)

MGGA recognizes that economic development in Montana includes strengthening the financial conditions of farm and ranch operations through ownership in value added enterprises. Therefore MGGA supports programs that promote and enable farm and ranch ownership of value added enterprises.

1. MGGA supports continued full funding and promotion of the Montana Office of Economic Development, with consideration of commercial agriculture. (Revised 2020)
2. MGGA supports the economic education program promoted by the Montana Council of Economic Education. (Retained 2012)

1. MGGA will look for new member service opportunities.
2. MGGA will continue education and information services through Montana MarketManager.
3. MGGA will report annually or more frequently to its members the status of its resolutions implementation.
4. MGGA will develop a process to survey members if there is a change in their membership status. Staff will do this on an ongoing basis. (Revised 2012)
5. MGGA will continue to hold listening sessions.
6. MGGA will continue to collaborate with other grower associations promoting Montana grown crops and livestock.
7. MGGA supports young producer outreach. (New 2011)
8. Raise associate dues by $100 to $250. (New 2022)

BIOTECHNOLOGY POSITION STATEMENT
Adopted by USW, NAWG and WETEC, February 2006; point #5 amended October 2012

Biotechnological research holds great promise for the future, and the U.S. wheat industry recognizes these advancements. In preparation for the future commercialization of biotechnologically-derived wheat, we take the following positions.

We support and will work to ensure the ability of wheat producers to make planting and marketing choices based on economic, agronomic and market factors.

We support the ability of our wheat customers to make purchases on the basis of specific traits. We commit ourselves to the principle that our customers’ needs are vitally important.

We support and will assist in the development by all segments of the industry of an orderly marketing system to assure delivery of non-transgenic wheat within reasonable tolerances to markets that require it.

We urge the adoption of a nationally and internationally accepted definition of biotechnologically-derived products.* We also urge international harmonization of scientific standards and trade rules.

We support voluntary labeling of food products derived from biotech ingredients provided it is consistent with U.S. law and international trade agreements and is truthful and not misleading. We oppose federal or state mandated labeling of products based solely on the method of production, including foods derived from biotech ingredients, if they do not differ materially from their non-biotech counterparts.

We support the establishment of a reasonable threshold level for adventitious or accidental inclusion of biotechnologically-derived traits in bulk wheat or wheat food products in both U.S. and international markets.

We are confident that biotechnology will deliver significant consumer and producer benefits and we support continued biotechnology research, and product and markets development. We invite valued and interested customers to join with us in a working partnership to explore the emerging biotechnology industry.

*U.S. Wheat Industry Definition of Biotechnologically-Derived (Genetically Modified Organisms)

“Genetically modified organisms (commonly referred to as “transgenic”) are organisms derived from somatic cell fusion or direct insertion of a gene construct, typically but not necessarily from a sexually-incompatible species, using recombinant DNA techniques and any genetic transformation technology (e.g., bacterial vectors, particle bombardment, electroporation).”

BIOTECHNOLOGY PRINCIPLES OF COMMERCIALIZATION
Adopted by NAWG and USW, November 2008

The U.S. wheat industry recognizes the benefits and value which could be created within the wheat chain through the prudent application of modern biotechnology. U.S. wheat producers will support commercialization of transgenic wheat traits after thorough review and development of a commercialization plan that facilitates commercialization with minimal market disruption. We support the ability of our customers to make purchases based on their preferences for specific traits, classes, qualities and characteristics. We will work diligently to assure that commercially achievable customer preferences are met.

The U.S. wheat industry will support commercialization of transgenic wheat traits when:

The technology provider initiates an informative dialogue with the USW/NAWG Joint Biotechnology Committee (JBC) prior to submitting for regulatory approvals in the U.S. This dialogue will allow our organizations to initiate education and outreach activities to both domestic and international customers, and to provide the technology provider with practical information intended to facilitate commercialization with minimal or no market disruption.

Regulatory approvals for food and feed use must be secured in major wheat export markets that will be affected where a functioning regulatory system exists. Major export markets are defined as those which represent at least 5 percent of the normal export volume of U.S. wheat, based on a five-year moving average at the time a provider begins the regulatory process in the United States. In countries where there is no viable regulatory approval system, technology providers will make regulatory submissions promptly when those systems become functional.

Commercialization of the trait must not impair the ability of non-transgenic wheat to meet commercially recognized thresholds for the low-level presence of transgenic traits. Appropriate international tolerances for transgenic wheat in non-transgenic shipments must be established and accepted in major export markets. Anticipated thresholds range from 0.9% to 5.0%.

An accurate, economical and timely trait detection test must be provided by the trait developer prior to commercialization.

The primary responsibility for education and outreach for new traits will remain with the technology provider. USW and NAWG will actively help seek buyer acceptance and will provide guidance, assistance and resources.

The technology provider must demonstrate stewardship of the technology, including education and outreach to growers to assure compliance with agronomic and grower stewardship practices specific to the trait.

We have examined both certified seed and point-of-delivery value capture models. While there are advantages and disadvantages of either approach, we believe the certified seed model will be most acceptable to the value chain and is the preferred approach. Investment in agricultural technology by private parties requires a return on that investment. We support the protection of intellectual property, including education about the importance of complying with seed and stewardship contract provisions and enforcement of those provisions when necessary. Technology traits should be encouraged for adaption into public wheat varieties.

WHEAT BIOTECHNOLOGY COMMERCIALIZATION
Trilateral Statement of American, Canadian and Australian Wheat Organizations
June 5, 2014

• American Farm Bureau Federation
• National Association of Wheat Growers
• National Farmers Union
• North American Millers’ Association
• U.S. Wheat Associates
• Canadian National Millers Association
• Cereals Canada
• Grain Farmers of Ontario
• Grain Growers of Canada
• Grain Growers of Canada
• Western Canadian Wheat Growers Assoc
• AgForce Queensland
• Grain Growers Limited
• Grain Producers Australia
• Grain Producers SA
• Pastoral and Graziers Association of Western Aus
• Victorian Farmers Federation Grains Group