Corn Refiners Association facts for kids
The Corn Refiners Association (CRA) is a group in Washington, D.C.. They represent companies that turn corn into different products. These products include corn starch, corn oil, and high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS).
Important Topics for the CRA
Protecting Competition
The CRA has sometimes spoken out against big company mergers. For example, they were against the merger of two large railroad companies, Union Pacific and Southern Pacific. The CRA worried this merger would mean less competition. They also thought it would make shipping prices go up for their members.
Biofuels and Corn
The CRA has worked on projects related to biofuels. Biofuels are fuels made from plants, like corn. In 2004, they worked with the University of Illinois. They also partnered with the Agricultural Research Service. Together, they created computer models. These models helped figure out how much it costs to make ethanol from corn.
Biotech Crops and Rules
Biotech crops are plants that have been changed using science. In 2019, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) suggested new rules. These rules would make it easier to approve biotech crops. This included crops that are genetically engineered. The new rules would mean some crops would not need special approval. This would happen if their changes could have been made by traditional plant breeding.
The CRA and other groups did not agree with these new rules. They were concerned that these changes could hurt trade. They also worried it might make people trust farm products less.
High-Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS)
The CRA has worked to change how people view High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS). HFCS is a sweetener made from corn.
In 2008, they started a public relations campaign. At first, their ads said HFCS was "natural." But Michael F. Jacobson, an expert, disagreed. He said HFCS "just doesn't exist in nature." Later ads said HFCS is "made from corn" and "is okay to eat in moderation." However, many people found it hard to eat HFCS in moderation. This is because it is in so many foods.
Changing the Name of HFCS
In 2010, the CRA asked to change the name of HFCS on food labels. They wanted to call it "corn sugar." Many people thought this was because HFCS had a bad reputation. Some experts thought "corn sugar" was too vague. They felt it did not clearly describe what HFCS is. Other experts thought "corn sugar" was a good name. In 2012, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said no to the name change.
Reaching Out to Bloggers
In 2010, the CRA also tried to reach out to "mom bloggers." These are people who write online blogs for parents. The CRA offered gift cards to bloggers. In return, the bloggers would write about a CRA event. This event claimed that HFCS was safe and healthy. Some well-known bloggers criticized this method. They felt it was not a good way to share information.
Trade and Corn Products
The CRA works to make sure American corn products can be sold around the world.
Trade Barriers in Europe
In 1991, the Netherlands put up trade barriers. These rules affected American corn growers. They made it harder to sell corn-based products there. The CRA was against these rules. A trade agreement was reached in 1992. This helped solve the problem.
Supporting Free Trade Deals
The CRA strongly supports free trade agreements. These deals make it easier for countries to trade with each other. They supported the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA). This is a big trade deal between the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. The CRA helped sponsor a "Motorcade for Trade." This event traveled through farming areas. It aimed to show how free trade helps farmers. It also wanted to encourage lawmakers to approve the USMCA.
Trade Issues with Mexico
In the late 1990s, Mexico made it harder to sell U.S. corn sweeteners there. In 2002, Mexico added a 20% tax on soft drinks. This tax was only for drinks not made with Mexican sugar. This caused a long disagreement. The World Trade Organization (WTO) later said the tax was against the rules. Mexico and the U.S. agreed to remove the tax slowly. It was completely gone by 2008.
Trade with China
The CRA also supported a trade deal between the United States and China. This deal was reached in December 2019.
CRA Leadership
As of 2020, the president and CEO of the CRA was John Bode.
CRA Members
Many large companies that refine corn are members of the CRA. These include:
- Archer Daniels Midland
- Cargill
- Ingredion
- Roquette America, Inc.
- Tate & Lyle Ingredients Americas
