Officially called research and promotion programs, checkoffs are organized and funded by agricultural producers and designed to advance research efforts and increase domestic and/or international demand for a commodity.
When it comes to maximizing resources while managing risk, expanding market share, improving revenue, and educating consumers, checkoff programs repeatedly demonstrate how valuable strength in numbers can be.
At the height of the largest volumes of grain storage in U.S. history, Colorado producers voted to have first handlers collect a one-penny-per-bushel assessment on sales of grain corn in the state. Since 1987, the statewide board and staff of the Colorado Corn Promotion Council (CCPC) has managed the investments and projects on behalf of corn producers in the state. Colorado’s corn checkoff successfully creates better marketing opportunities and enables farmers to use the most innovative technology and production practices so they can grow profitable and sustainable corn crops.
Corn farmers have an amazing story to tell. Watch and listen to how they are helping meet our demand for feed, fuel, and fiber while implementing sustainable methods for doing so.
All varieties of corn grown for grain in Colorado are subject to an assessment under the Colorado Corn Marketing Order established in 1987 by the states’ producers under the Colorado Agricultural Marketing Act of 1939 Title 5, Article 28 of the Colorado Revised Statutes.
The corn assessment rate is one cent ($0.01) per bushel (56 pounds), which is collected by the “first handler” (typically an elevator or livestock feeder/producer) directly from the grower and remitted to the Colorado Corn Promotion Council (CCPC).
First Handlers can obtain assessment instructions and reporting forms from CCPC’s Bookkeeper.
Colorado’s corn assessment funds are managed by the Colorado Corn Promotion Council (CCPC), which consists of a board of volunteer farmers elected by their peers and supported by staff. These funds are carefully invested to:
Refund Requests: A producer may request an Application for Refund of Corn Assessment form (ARCA form) by contacting CCAC one of three ways:
Email a written request to Info@coloradocorn.com
Mail a written request to 9085 E. Mineral Circle, Suite 240, Centennial, CO 80112
Requests must include your contact information (first/last name, company name, mailing address, phone number, and email) and the number of forms needed (limit five per request).
ARCA forms must be completed by the grower and received by CCPC within 30 days of the date of assessment. Forms can be submitted by mail or by email to info@coloradocorn.com. The settlement sheet (original or copy) provided by the first handler must be attached to the form. Note: ARCA forms cannot be duplicated or transferred to any other producer. Your signature on this form certifies that the information is true and accurate, and the request covers only your interest in the corn sold and the assessment deducted. The IRS may require that this refund be reported. Failure to fully complete the ARCA form and attach required documents may result in a refund denial.
