Trade Associations
Here's a look at documents from national and international trade associations
Featured Stories
SEMI Europe and the Polish Taiwanese Chamber of Commerce Partner to Accelerate Semiconductor Industry Expansions in Poland
MILPITAS, California, March 14 -- SEMI, an association serving the manufacturing supply chain for the electronics industry, posted the following news release on March 13, 2026:
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SEMI Europe and the Polish Taiwanese Chamber of Commerce Partner to Accelerate Semiconductor Industry Expansions in Poland
SOPOT, Poland - SEMI Europe today announced the signing of a new two year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Polish Taiwanese Chamber of Commerce, establishing a strategic partnership to advance semiconductor industry development and support the green transition across the sector. The
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MILPITAS, California, March 14 -- SEMI, an association serving the manufacturing supply chain for the electronics industry, posted the following news release on March 13, 2026:
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SEMI Europe and the Polish Taiwanese Chamber of Commerce Partner to Accelerate Semiconductor Industry Expansions in Poland
SOPOT, Poland - SEMI Europe today announced the signing of a new two year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Polish Taiwanese Chamber of Commerce, establishing a strategic partnership to advance semiconductor industry development and support the green transition across the sector. Theagreement strengthens cooperation between these regions at a pivotal moment for global semiconductor expansion.
The MoU provides a collaborative framework aimed at fostering economic ties, enabling business growth, supporting joint initiatives, and reinforcing existing connections that contribute to the competitiveness and sustainability of the semiconductor ecosystem.
"This partnership marks an important milestone in deepening economic collaboration and creating new opportunities for businesses across Europe," said Laith Altimime, President of SEMI Europe. "By combining our expertise and resources, we aim to foster collaboration, drive innovation, and deliver meaningful value to our members."
Key areas of cooperation under the MoU include:
* Exchange of knowledge and expertise, including access to expert cooperation, where relevant.
* Joint organisation and support of events, meetings, and delegations that promote economic ties and encourage industry dialogue.
* Mutual promotion of initiatives across communication channels and networks.
* Consultation on policy related matters, such as joint recommendations and positions for governmental and institutional stakeholders.
* Support in developing analytical materials, including reports, analyses, and expert resources.
"Our partnership with SEMI Europe, an organisation representing more than 3,000 global members, has significant potential to accelerate industry growth and attract new semiconductor investments to Poland," said Agnieszka Sygitowicz, President of the Polish Taiwanese Chamber of Commerce. "It reflects our shared commitment to positioning Poland as an attractive destination for advanced technology development."
"Today's agreement symbolizes our mutual trust and the strong foundation on which we intend to build even deeper cooperation," Sygitowicz added. "We look forward to working closely together to advance shared ambitions and promote long term economic prosperity."
The Polish Taiwanese Chamber of Commerce serves as a dynamic bridge between these regions, fostering economic and cultural collaboration as well as supporting new partnerships between member companies in both regions. The Chamber supports initiatives in emerging technologies, including autonomous vehicle development as well as energy transformation to strengthen innovation and global competitiveness.
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About SEMI
SEMI(R) is the global industry association connecting over 3,000 member companies and 1.5 million professionals worldwide across the semiconductor and electronics design and manufacturing supply chain. We accelerate member collaboration on solutions to top industry challenges through Advocacy, Workforce Development, Sustainability, Supply Chain Management and other programs. Our SEMICON(R) expositions and events, technology communities, standards and market intelligence help advance our members' business growth and innovations in design, devices, equipment, materials, services and software, enabling smarter, faster, more secure electronics. Visit www.semi.org, contact a regional office, and connect with SEMI on LinkedIn and X to learn more.
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Original text here: https://www.semi.org/en/semi-press-release/semi-europe-and-the-polish-taiwanese-chamber-of-commerce-partner-to-accelerate-semiconductor-industry-expansions-in-poland
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[Category: Electronic Products]
NAHB Commends President Trump's Executive Orders on Housing
WASHINGTON, March 14 -- The National Association of Home Builders issued the following news release:
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NAHB Commends President Trump's Executive Orders on Housing
Bill Owens, chairman of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and a home builder and remodeler from Worthington, Ohio, issued the following statement after President Trump announced today's executive orders on housing:
"NAHB commends President Trump for taking bold actions to empower home builders to build the housing supply America needs. Today's executive orders get at the root of the housing affordability problem
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, March 14 -- The National Association of Home Builders issued the following news release:
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NAHB Commends President Trump's Executive Orders on Housing
Bill Owens, chairman of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and a home builder and remodeler from Worthington, Ohio, issued the following statement after President Trump announced today's executive orders on housing:
"NAHB commends President Trump for taking bold actions to empower home builders to build the housing supply America needs. Today's executive orders get at the root of the housing affordability problemby eliminating obstacles to build more homes and providing better access to financing.
"The president's executive order to remove regulatory barriers will enable builders to build more housing by reducing red tape, streamlining permitting requirements and easing costly environmental regulations. The executive order for access to mortgage credit also takes important steps to provide better financing options for home buyers and home builders and make it easier for families to achieve the American dream of homeownership. NAHB looks forward to working with the Trump administration to implement these important directives."
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Original text here: https://www.nahb.org/news-and-economics/press-releases/2026/03/nahb-commends-president-trumps-executive-orders-on-housing
[Category: Real Estate]
Military Officers Association: Busting Common Myths About Concurrent Receipt
WASHINGTON, March 14 -- The Military Officers Association of America issued the following news:
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Busting Common Myths About Concurrent Receipt
The process of receiving both military retired pay and VA disability compensation benefits, known as "concurrent receipt," is often misunderstood. Before diving into some of the more common misconceptions brought to MOAA, here are some basics about the program:
* For most retirees, Concurrent Retirement and Disability Pay (CRDP) is straightforward: If you have 20 or more years of service and a VA disability rating of 50% or higher, you are eligible
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, March 14 -- The Military Officers Association of America issued the following news:
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Busting Common Myths About Concurrent Receipt
The process of receiving both military retired pay and VA disability compensation benefits, known as "concurrent receipt," is often misunderstood. Before diving into some of the more common misconceptions brought to MOAA, here are some basics about the program:
* For most retirees, Concurrent Retirement and Disability Pay (CRDP) is straightforward: If you have 20 or more years of service and a VA disability rating of 50% or higher, you are eligiblefor CRDP. If you have 20-plus years and a VA disability rating of 40% or less, you are not eligible for CRDP; your tax-free VA disability compensation will be deducted from your federally taxable retired pay. This is called the "VA Waiver."
* Every individual agreed to "waive" retired pay for VA disability compensation when they submitted a claim; otherwise, the VA would adjudicate the claim but not pay the individual. It is up to the pay center (the Defense Finance and Accounting Service or the Coast Guard Pay and Personnel Center) to determine CRDP eligibility and whether the VA Waiver is applied.
* Medical retirees with less than 20 years of service, regardless of their VA disability rating, are not eligible for CRDP. However, any retiree (regular or medical), regardless of years of service, with any disabilities determined by their service to be combat-related would be eligible for the other CR program, Combat-Related Special Compensation (CRSC).
The decades-long campaign to secure concurrent receipt for some retirees succeeded in the 2004 National Defense Authorization Act, which created CRDP as a phased-in benefit that took full effect in 2014. This was a compromise designed to take care of the most seriously disabled retired veterans.
Here's the short version:
* No Concurrent Receipt: VA Waiver is subtracted from military retirement pay. Retiree receives adjusted military retirement pay and full VA compensation. This applies to retirees with disability rating under 50% or those with less than 20 years of service.
* CRDP: VA Waiver is not subtracted from military retirement pay. Retiree receives full military retired pay and full VA compensation. Retirees with 20 or more years of service and a VA disability rating of 50% or higher can receive CRDP.
* CRSC: VA Waiver is subtracted from military retirement pay. Retiree receives adjusted military retirement pay and full VA compensation, plus a CRSC check. Retirees with combat-related disabilities can receive CRSC.
Myths and Facts: CRDP
First, two fallacies MOAA hears all the time:
Myth: "I was medically retired, therefore my retirement pay is tax-free!"
Fact: The only military retirements that are tax free are those specifically delineated as such in the retirement paperwork by the military service, typically due to combat disabilities.
Myth: "Your VA disability rating exempts that same percentage of your taxable retired pay!"
Fact: Your disability rating has no impact on the taxability of your retired pay, except as outlined above. The amount in box 2a (Taxable amount) of your 1099-R is what the IRS expects you to pay taxes upon.
Myths and Facts: CRSC
CRSC comes with its own set of misconceptions.
Myth: "I served in Desert Storm I, therefore my disabilities are combat-related!"
Fact: You must apply to your specific military service for a ruling on whether each of your VA service-connected disabilities is combat-related.
Myth: "I'm eligible for both concurrent receipt programs, but CRSC is always best!"
Fact: Every veteran eligible for both programs must evaluate the specifics of each program to determine which one will put more money in their pockets each month.
When the pay center receives the CRSC notification from your service, they will make an evaluation of which CR program they believe is most beneficial for you. However, they will give you the option (by sending you an Open Season letter) of switching to the other CR program. They do this because they only know how much they are paying you, not whether any other income you may be receiving would make the other CR program more beneficial.
The CRSC Math
The VA Waiver is applied under CRSC, but a tax-free check is sent in return ... that makes CRSC better, doesn't it? Not necessarily.
Generally, when the VA rating and the combat rating are the same, CRSC is most beneficial - you have the same amount deducted from your taxable retired pay returned to you via a tax-free CRSC check.
However, when there is a split (or difference) between the ratings, you must determine whether the amount you save in taxes on your remaining retired pay (after the VA waiver) overcomes the difference between the VA disability rating payment and the combat rating payment (the CRSC check).
Take a retiree with a 100% VA rating and a 50% combat rating, for example. Does the difference between the ratings (almost $3,000) overcome the federal income tax savings? Not even in the highest tax bracket (37% for married couples filing jointly with an income over $750,000) does the tax break make CRSC a better choice than CRDP.
MOAA's Financial Calculators
Whether you're planning for retirement, buying a home, managing your investments, or more, these tools can help you make informed decisions.
Access Now (https://www.moaa.org/content/benefits-and-discounts/finance/Calculators/calculators/?utm_source=article&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=TMN&utm_content=finance)
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Original text here: https://www.moaa.org/content/publications-and-media/news-articles/2026-news-articles/benefits/busting-common-myths-about-concurrent-receipt/
[Category: National Defense]
INCOMPAS Releases Statement on the Department of Energy's Investment in Critical Grid Infrastructure
WASHINGTON, March 14 -- INCOMPAS issued the following statement on March 13, 2026:
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INCOMPAS Releases Statement on the Department of Energy's Investment in Critical Grid Infrastructure
INCOMPAS, the competitive communications and AI infrastructure association, released the following statement applauding the U.S. Department of Energy's announcement of $1.9 billion in investment towards critical grid infrastructure to reduce electricity costs.
The following statement can be attributed to Staci L. Pies, Senior Vice President of Government Relations and Policy at INCOMPAS:
"INCOMPAS applauds
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, March 14 -- INCOMPAS issued the following statement on March 13, 2026:
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INCOMPAS Releases Statement on the Department of Energy's Investment in Critical Grid Infrastructure
INCOMPAS, the competitive communications and AI infrastructure association, released the following statement applauding the U.S. Department of Energy's announcement of $1.9 billion in investment towards critical grid infrastructure to reduce electricity costs.
The following statement can be attributed to Staci L. Pies, Senior Vice President of Government Relations and Policy at INCOMPAS:
"INCOMPAS applaudsthe Department of Energy's investment in critical grid infrastructure through the Speed to Power through Accelerated Reconductoring and other Key Advanced Transmission Technology Upgrades (SPARK) program. The companies building America's AI infrastructure, need a grid that can keep pace with rising electricity demands and resource adequacy needs. By prioritizing reconductoring and other advanced transmission technologies within existing rights-of-way, the SPARK program accelerates operational efficiency, while lowering prices for consumers.
We commend Secretary Wright and Assistant Secretary Jereza for advancing practical, high-impact solutions that meet the moment. Paired with historic private investment in AI infrastructure, this program moves America closer to the energy foundation our national AI competitiveness demands. INCOMPAS and its members look forward to working with federal and state leaders to ensure these investments reach the ground quickly and deliver for all Americans."
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Original text here: https://incompas.org/news-post/incompas-releases-statement-on-the-department-of-energys-investment-in-critical-grid-infrastructure/
[Category: Telecommunications]
Historic Offshore Wind Project Breakthroughs, New Chapter in New England's Clean Energy Future
CAMBRIDGE, Massachusetts, March 14 [Category: Environment] -- The Union of Concerned Scientists posted the following news release:
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Historic Offshore Wind Project Breakthroughs, New Chapter in New England's Clean Energy Future
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CAMBRIDGE, Mass (March 14, 2026)-Vineyard Wind and Revolution Wind, offshore wind projects off the coast of New England, made history late Friday night. Revolution Wind sent its first electricity to the grid, while workers installed the final wind turbine for Vineyard Wind, which is already generating power from a majority of its turbines. They are the largest
... Show Full Article
CAMBRIDGE, Massachusetts, March 14 [Category: Environment] -- The Union of Concerned Scientists posted the following news release:
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Historic Offshore Wind Project Breakthroughs, New Chapter in New England's Clean Energy Future
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CAMBRIDGE, Mass (March 14, 2026)-Vineyard Wind and Revolution Wind, offshore wind projects off the coast of New England, made history late Friday night. Revolution Wind sent its first electricity to the grid, while workers installed the final wind turbine for Vineyard Wind, which is already generating power from a majority of its turbines. They are the largestoperating renewable energy projects east of the Mississippi and will eventually generate enough electricity to serve up to 750,000 homes.
Below is a statement from Susan Muller, senior energy analyst at the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) and lead report author.
"The winds of change are blowing in a powerful new clean energy future in New England. Offshore wind is a winter powerhouse, delivering clean, reliable, affordable electricity when people need it most. This world-class energy resource is finally being harnessed despite the Trump administration's ongoing attacks on states' energy independence. This is a historic time to celebrate a new industry that will bring billions of dollars in savings to customers within the next 5 years.
"The benefits of these projects will be felt by millions of people who currently suffer high electricity costs in the winter due to costly, polluting fossil gas imports. If both Vineyard and Revolution were fully operational during the winter of 2024 to 2025, they would have more than halved the risk of demand-driven power outages. Displacing fossil fuels with offshore wind will give people in New England healthier, more affordable, and more reliable power."
Among other benefits, offshore wind projects like Vineyard Wind and Revolution Wind significantly boost reliability in winter because cold weather systems that drive high electricity demand are typically accompanied by strong offshore winds blowing across the region. A recent report Muller authored reveals that if both projects had been fully operational during the winter of 2024 to 2025, they would have reduced the risk of a demand-driven power outages by 55%. When combined with other local clean energy sources like onshore wind and solar, they would have surpassed the energy delivered by costly and polluting liquified natural gas imports.
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Original text here: https://www.ucsusa.org/about/news/new-englands-clean-energy-future-here
American Securities Association Releases Comments to SEC on Small-Entity Definitions
WASHINGTON, March 14 -- The American Securities Association issued the following news on March 13, 2026:
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ASA Releases Comments to SEC on Small-Entity Definitions
The American Securities Association (ASA) today released a letter sent to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in support of its proposal to modernize small-entity definitions for investment companies, business development companies, and investment advisers for purposes of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
"ASA appreciates the Commission's initiative to update the 'small business' and 'small organization' definitions for
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, March 14 -- The American Securities Association issued the following news on March 13, 2026:
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ASA Releases Comments to SEC on Small-Entity Definitions
The American Securities Association (ASA) today released a letter sent to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in support of its proposal to modernize small-entity definitions for investment companies, business development companies, and investment advisers for purposes of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
"ASA appreciates the Commission's initiative to update the 'small business' and 'small organization' definitions forinvestment companies, BDCs, and investment advisers," wrote ASA Chief Legal Officer Jessica Giroux. "We strongly support the proposed RAUM based adviser definition and the adjusted investment company thresholds."
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The American Securities Association (ASA) represents the retail and institutional capital markets interests of regional financial services firms who provide Main Street businesses with access to capital and advise hardworking Americans how to create and preserve wealth. ASA's mission is to promote trust and confidence among investors, facilitate capital formation, and support efficient and competitively balanced capital markets. This mission advances financial independence, stimulates job creation, and increases prosperity. The ASA has a geographically diverse membership of almost one hundred members that spans the Heartland, Southwest, Southeast, Atlantic, and Pacific Northwest regions of the United States.
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INFODOC: https://15c72067-2929-4106-8883-14b2d4025a5b.usrfiles.com/ugd/15c720_558442f8def24522ac0bc5c2a9e23856.pdf
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Original text here: https://www.americansecurities.org/post/asa-releases-comments-to-sec-on-small-entity-definitions
[Category: Financial Services]
Ag Groups Urge Mosaic, J.R. Simplot to Renounce Fertilizer Duties
CHESTERFIELD, Missouri, March 14 -- The National Corn Growers Association issued the following news:
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Ag Groups Urge Mosaic, J.R. Simplot to Renounce Fertilizer Duties
Citing the impact of the Middle East conflict, 64 agricultural groups, including the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA), sent a letter today to the chief executives of two of the nation's largest domestic fertilizer producers urging them to support the removal of duties placed on imported phosphate products from Morocco.
"The recent Middle East conflict has led to increases in the prices of U.S. fertilizer, regardless
... Show Full Article
CHESTERFIELD, Missouri, March 14 -- The National Corn Growers Association issued the following news:
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Ag Groups Urge Mosaic, J.R. Simplot to Renounce Fertilizer Duties
Citing the impact of the Middle East conflict, 64 agricultural groups, including the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA), sent a letter today to the chief executives of two of the nation's largest domestic fertilizer producers urging them to support the removal of duties placed on imported phosphate products from Morocco.
"The recent Middle East conflict has led to increases in the prices of U.S. fertilizer, regardlessof actual impact to the U.S. supply," read the letter, which was sent to Mosaic Company CEO Bruce Bodine and J.R. Simplot CEO Garrett Lofto. "We strongly urge efforts to lower and stabilize prices by renouncing support of phosphate duties incurred through antidumping and countervailing duty investigations."
In 2020, the Commerce Department, acting on a petition filed by Mosaic, imposed duties on phosphate fertilizers imported from Morocco and Russia. Mosaic claimed at the time that unfairly subsidized foreign companies were flooding the U.S. market with fertilizers and selling the products at extremely low prices. The petition was supported by J.R. Simplot.
As a result of the decision, at least one Moroccan company halted shipments of phosphate fertilizers into the U.S., which led to price hikes and shortages, saddling farmers with a hardship that has only worsened in recent weeks.
"The conflict, on top of already high U.S. input prices, further negates the need for U.S. companies to need CVD protection," the letter noted. "To the contrary, U.S. agricultural security - and hence national security - require that farmers have increased access to critical fertilizers."
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March 13, 2026
Bruce Bodine, President and CEO The Mosaic Company
3033 Campus Drive, Suite E490
Plymouth, MN 55441
Garrett Lofto, President and CEO J.R. Simplot
P.O. Box 70013
Boise, ID 83707-0113
Mr. Bodine and Mr. Lofto:
The recent Middle East conflict has led to increases in the prices of U.S. fertilizer, regardless of actual impact to the U.S. supply. We strongly urge efforts to lower and stabilize prices by renouncing support of phosphate duties incurred through antidumping and countervailing duty investigations.
Countervailing duties have increased and sustained high prices for phosphate fertilizer while preventing diversification. The purpose of countervailing duties (CVDs) is to protect domestic industry from foreign subsidized products. The conflict, on top of already high U.S. input prices, further negates the need for U.S. companies to need CVD protection. To the contrary, U.S.
agricultural security - and hence national security - require that farmers have increased access to critical fertilizers.
Farmers across the United States are struggling as input costs remain close to record highs.
Fertilizer manufacturers like The Mosaic Company and J.R. Simplot can immediately help alleviate some suffering in the agricultural economy by renouncing their support for continued CVDs. Instead, the undersigned organizations call on you to work with your end-customers to allow additional supplies of phosphates to enter the country at an affordable price.
The undersigned organizations request that your companies take action to support your customers - American farmers - and withdraw your support for countervailing duties on phosphate fertilizers from Morocco. While this action is seemingly minor relative to the current macro environment, including the scope of market disruptions and as well as market structure, is one step that can be taken now.
Sincerely,
National Corn Growers Association
American Farm Bureau Federation
American Soybean Association
National Cotton Council
National Sorghum Producers
Society of American Florists
U.S. Rice Producers Association
USA Rice
Alabama Soybean and Corn Association
Arkansas Soybean Association
Colorado Corn Growers Association
Colorado Sorghum Association
Corn Growers Association of North Carolina Delta Council
Georgia Corn Growers Association
Georgia/Florida Soybean Association
Illinois Corn Growers Association
Illinois Soybean Growers
Indiana Corn Growers Association
Indiana Soybean Alliance, Membership and Policy Committee Iowa
Corn Growers Association
Iowa Soybean Association
Kansas Corn Growers Association
Kansas Soybean Association
Kentucky Corn Growers Association
Kentucky Soybean Association
Louisiana Cotton & Grain Association
Maryland Grain Producers Association
Michigan Corn Growers Association
Michigan Soybean Association
Mid-Atlantic Soybean Association
Minnesota Corn Growers Association
Minnesota Soybean Growers Association
Mississippi Corn Growers Association
Mississippi Soybean Association
Missouri Corn Growers Association
Missouri Soybean Association
Nebraska Corn Growers Association
Nebraska Sorghum Producers
Nebraska Soybean Association
New Mexico Sorghum Producers
New York Corn and Soybean Growers Association
North Carolina Soybean Producers Association
North Dakota Corn Growers Association
North Dakota Soybean Growers Association
Ohio Corn & Wheat Growers Association
Ohio Soybean Association
Oklahoma Sorghum Growers
Oklahoma Soybean Association
Pennsylvania Corn Growers Association
South Carolina Corn and Soybean Association
South Dakota Corn Growers Association
South Dakota Soybean Association
Tennessee Corn Growers Association
Tennessee Soybean Association
Texas Citrus Mutual
Texas Corn Producers Association
Texas Grain Sorghum Association
Texas International Produce Association
Texas Soybean Association
Virginia Grain Producers Association
Virginia Soybean Association
Wisconsin Corn Growers Association
Wisconsin Soybean Association
CC: United States Senate
United States House of Representatives
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Original text here: https://www.ncga.com/stay-informed/media/in-the-news/article/2026/03/ag-groups-urge-mosaic-j-r-simplot-to-renounce-fertilizer-duties
[Category: Agriculture]
