Corn growers are stepping up efforts to stay ahead of rising mycotoxin risks by expanding a proven research model that has delivered results for more than a decade.
The Aflatoxin Mitigation Center of Excellence (AMCOE) is now becoming the Mycotoxin Mitigation Center of Excellence, broadening its focus to address a full spectrum of mycotoxins, including aflatoxin, fumonisins, vomitoxin and others, before they create bigger problems for corn producers.
Mycotoxins are toxic compounds produced by mold that can lead to rejected loads, reduced prices and lost market access. They are a significant threat to U.S. corn crops, serving up an estimated $1 billion in losses every year. And with changing weather patterns and growing buyer sensitivity, NCGA, along with state corn associations, are taking a proactive approach to help protect crop quality, value and profitability.
“Aflatoxin and fumonison have been a big issue in our southern corn producing states for several years. We’ve seen vomitoxin become a more prevalent mycotoxin that affects corn production in the eastern Corn Belt as well, so it’s critical that we expand our research focus,” said Chad Epler, chair of NCGA’s research and new uses action team. “It’s about staying ahead, so growers can take the steps they need to in order to protect their crops and mitigate the impacts to our downstream consumers and their customers.”
More Federal Funding Requested
The Center will continue to be grower-led and research-driven, building on partnerships with USDA, university researchers and state corn organizations. In fact, it is asking for $5 million in federal appropriations for FY26 for even more research ($2.5 million to continue work on aflatoxin and $2.5 million for vomitoxin research). For perspective, corn growers have invested over $5 million in private funding toward aflatoxin research with federal support adding another $1.5 million since 2012.
Engaging the Entire Corn Value Chain
Because mycotoxins can cause such devastating loss across the entirety of the corn value chain, NCGA has also helped rally the whole industry by launching a national coalition. This group brings together seed companies, ethanol producers, millers, technical service providers and others to align efforts, share data and speak with one voice. This group demonstrates the fact that mycotoxins affect not only corn producers but many other value chain stakeholders as well. This national coalition is working on a comprehensive economic impact study to demonstrate the full impact beyond the farm gate. The coalition is also collaborating on exploring potential solutions to address tools and traits for prevention, strategies to limit DDGS and feed contamination, testing inconsistencies and load rejections, and both on & off farm mitigation strategies.
How does this coalition benefit corn growers? It means:
· Research focused on real-world, field-level risks
· Better testing, resistance traits and management tools
· Industry-wide coordination to protect corn’s value
· Engagement and investment of the whole value chain in solutions
Looking Ahead
The Center will release new research priorities and engagement opportunities in the coming months. Growers are encouraged to stay informed through their state associations or visit the NCGA’s Mycotoxin Center of Excellence page for updates.
