The Iowa Corn Growers Association has developed a presidential candidates reference guide. Spokesperson Mindy Larson-Poldberg says it outlines both Republicans and Democrats’ views on a variety of agricultural topics.
The organization indicates in the guide if the candidate agrees or disagrees with the ICGA’s policies. But, Larson-Poldberg says the association is not backing any one candidate. "Iowa Corn Growers is making no recommendations or endorsements to any candidate or any party affiliation," Larson-Poldberg says, "our goal is to analyze the issues for all corn growers nationwide."
The guide includes a chart, comparing 16 of the candidates’ responses to 12 questions about topics like the farm bill, ethanol, transportation and trade. Only four of the candidates actually responded to the ICGA’s request to fill out the survey.
Larson-Poldberg says if a candidate failed to complete the survey, the ICGA used published statements or information from the candidate’s website to complete the voter guide. The guide was mailed to 6,000 ICGA members this month. It’s also posted on the ICGA’s website .