The Iowa Legislature has approved a measure that will allow the state’s corn check off to proceed. Iowa Corn Grower’s Director of Government Relations Mindy Larsen Poldberg says the legislation which got overwhelming Senate approval this week could lead to a future increase in the per bushel corn check off if approved in a referendum by corn producers.

Under the legislation the maximum rate must stay at one cent per bushel through August 31. The maximum rate for the next five marketing years from September 1 2014 to August 31 2019 cannot exceed 2 cents if approved by corn growers. And for all future marketing years beginning September 1, 2019, it’s capped at three cents per bushel. Poldberg says the funding  is used for research, education and market development with education having the biggest need.

The Iowa House earlier approved the measure on a 98 to 0 vote so it’s now on it’s way to Governor Terry Branstad.