Renewable Energy Production Promotes America’s Security, Boosts Economy

Renewable energy production promotes America’s security and boosts the US economy.

That's the message shared from the United States Department of Agriculture.

In a blog published today by USDA's by Dallas Tonsager, Undersecretary, USDA Rural Development, he writes about his first-hand experience as a farmer in South Dakota: "I saw firsthand how the investments in biofuels benefited rural Americans by creating jobs and capturing wealth locally. Leaders in the community got together, made commitments to invest in renewable energy projects, and shared in the success of the projects once they matured."

He goes on to write:

"Renewable energy production is smart for our country both strategically and economically. As gas prices have gone up, we are reminded that oil supplies are fragile and that global events and speculation can have a large effect on the price. Whether it is tumult in the Middle East or hurricane season in the Gulf of Mexico, the long and complex supply chains for petroleum energy can be disrupted by a multitude of events."

Read the rest of the blog HERE.

Producing renewable energy here in America is a wise choice.  We're creating jobs, increasing energy security, and reducing our dependence upon foreign energy sources.

Source: USDA

READ MORE

• A Tale of Two Fuel Choice Approaches
• NASCAR Goes Green with American Ethanol
• Saudi Prince: "We Don't Want the West to Go and Find Alternatives"
• Ethanol Lowers Fuel Prices

Food and Fuel America.com 

http://www.foodandfuelamerica.com

Good and Balanced Food and Fuel News!

Secretary Vilsack Highlights Efforts to Decrease U.S. Dependence on Foreign Oil

US Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack highlighted last week the importance of moving toward a clean energy economy and breaking our country's unsustainable dependence on foreign oil.

"Flex-fuel pumps give Americans a choice to purchase domestically produced renewable transportation fuels," Vilsack said. "The Obama Administration is working to transform the United States into a global clean energy leader because transportation fuels created from a wide variety of renewable energy sources will create a new generation of jobs here at home, reduce dependence on foreign oil and enhance our national security."

This past April, Secretary Vilsack announced a series of initiatives to help farmers and rural small businesses implement renewable energy systems and become more energy efficient. One of those initiatives allows USDA's Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) to now make funding available for flexible fuel pumps, sometimes referred to as "blender pumps." 

This is expected to encourage fuel station owners to invest the capital necessary to give American motorists the option of selecting the blend of renewable fuel that meets their needs.

The Obama administration has set a goal of installing 10,000 flexible fuel pumps nationwide within 5 years.

Today, most gasoline sold in this country is a mix of 10 percent ethanol.

Currently, there are 8 - 8.5 million flexible fuel vehicles on U.S. roads, constituting about 3.2 - 3.5 percent of the approximately 250 million vehicles on the road.

These flexible fuel vehicles can be fueled with E85 (a blend of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline).

There are approximately 2,350 fueling stations that offer E85 of the more than 167,800 stations nationwide.

Earlier this year, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released the results of E15 testing on vehicles years 2001 and younger.

EPA's findings confirm there are additional vehicles on the road able to take advantage of higher ethanol blends than currently available at local, non-E85, pumps.

Record Corn Crop Planted

Never underestimate the American farmer, despite the many obstacles they face.

From wet weather during planting season, higher input costs for seeds and fertilizer, rising land prices and a tight credit market, America's farmers faced a host of obstacles in getting their fields planted this spring.

But today's crop report from the USDA certainly proves the resiliance of American corn growers.

Farmers planted 87 million corn acres in 2009, up 1 million acres from last year. This is the second-largest corn acreage in more than 60 years, behind 2007 and is up 1% from last year.

Despite wet weather in many growing areas, farmers reported that 97 percent of intended corn acreage was planted by early June, compared with the 10-year average of 98 percent.

And despite the naysayers who continue to argue against the capabilities of America's agriculture, America can grow both Food AND Fuel.

Source: USDA

READ MORE

• Yield Increases Will Produce More Corn
• Abundant Food and Energy Through Innovation
• USDA Meets President Obama's 30-Day Biofuels Directive
• Food vs. Fuel: A Global Myth
• Pile It On
• USDA, DOE Announce National Biofuels Action Plan
• Biofuels Myths vs Facts
• Senate Finds Cause for Higher Food Prices
• Big Food Fight Finally Featured
• Senator Grassley Responds to Ethanol Smear Campaign
• Campbell Soup is Hmm Hmm Wrong

Never Miss a New Article--> Subscribe to updates by Email
Find What You Seek --> Search FoodandFuelAmerica.com

Follow Us --> Food and Fuel America on Twitter

Food and Fuel America.com
http://www.foodandfuelamerica.com
Good and Balanced Food and Fuel News!

USDA Meets President Obama's 30-Day Biofuels Directive

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that the USDA met its 30-day deadline to help produce more energy from homegrown, renewable sources.

"Further developing the biofuels industry helps create jobs and stimulates rural economies, an important part of getting our economy back on track," said Vilsack. "President Obama and I are committed to advancing clean and renewable energy as it creates jobs domestically and boosts tax revenues at all levels of government."

On May 5, President Obama asked USDA to expedite the biofuels provisions of the energy title of the 2008 Farm Bill within 30 days, including the following:

• Providing loan guarantees and grants for biorefineries;
• Expediting funding to encourage biorefineries to replace the use of fossil fuels in plant operations;
• Expediting funding to encourage production of next-generation biofuels;
• Expanding the Rural Energy for America Program; and
• Providing guidance and support for collection, harvest, storage, and transportation in biomass conversion facilities.

Details about USDA's recent efforts to support the biofuels industry are:

Loan Guarantees for Biorefineries.

USDA is currently reviewing a $25 million loan guarantee application to retrofit a biodiesel refinery to produce second-generation biofuels. The funding of this venture will be the second such guarantee to be funded under the 2008 Farm Bill. In January, USDA awarded an $80 million loan guarantee for the production of cellulosic ethanol. A second round of applications received as part of an April 30, 2009 solicitation for applications is currently under review. These involve second- and third-generation biofuel technologies to produce cellulosic ethanol, biodiesel, and methane gas and electricity. Awards for the second round are projected for Sept. 15, 2009

Assistance for Biorefineries Replacing Fossil Fuels.

USDA will provide up to $20 million to offer financial assistance to biorefineries to replace fossil fuels used to produce heat or operate biorefineries with renewable biomass.

Encourage Production of Next-Generation Biofuels.

USDA will provide $30 million to provide payments to eligible agricultural producers to support and ensure an expanding production of advanced biofuels.

Source: USDA

READ MORE

• USDA, DOE Announce National Biofuels Action Plan
• DOE and USDA Respond on Biofuels
• Biofuels Myths vs Facts

Follow Us --> Food and Fuel America on Twitter

Never Miss a New Article--> Subscribe to updates by Email
Find What You Seek --> Search FoodandFuelAmerica.com



Food and Fuel America.com
http://www.foodandfuelamerica.com
Good and Balanced Food and Fuel News!

USDA, DOE Announce National Biofuels Action Plan

The Depart. of Agriculture (USDA) and the Dept. of Energy (DOE) have released the National Biofuels Action Plan (NBAP), an interagency plan detailing the collaborative efforts of Federal agencies to accelerate the development of a sustainable biofuels industry.

The NBAP was developed in response to President Bush’s plans to change the way America fuels its transportation fleets in the 2007 State of the Union Address. The President's "Twenty In Ten" goal calls for cutting U.S. gasoline consumption by 20 percent over the next 10 years by investing in renewable and alternative fuel sources, increasing vehicle efficiency and developing alternative fuel vehicles.

To enhance the impact of federal biofuels investments and enable attainment of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), the NBAP outlines interagency actions and accelerated federally supported research efforts in seven areas including:

• Sustainability
• Feedstock Production
• Feedstock Logistics
• Conversion Science and Technology
• Distribution Infrastructure
• Blending
• Environment, Health and Safety

More information is available online:

• Fact Sheet
• Plan (pdf)

Source: Department of Energy

READ MORE

• Biofuel Myths vs Facts
• Do I Have a Flex Fuel Vehicle?
• Find Alternative Fuel Locations
  

Never Miss a New Article--> Subscribe to updates by Email
Find What You Seek --> Search FoodandFuelAmerica.com



Food and Fuel America.com
http://www.foodandfuelamerica.com
Good and Balanced Food and Fuel News!

USDA Predicts a Record Corn Crop

Despite June’s severe flooding in the Midwest, U.S. farmers are on pace to produce the second largest corn crop, according to the Crop Production report released today by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS).

Corn production is forecast at 12.3 billion bushels, down 6 percent from last year’s record, but up 17 percent from 2006.

Based on conditions as of August 1, corn yields are expected to average 155 bushels per acre, up 3.9 bushels from last year. If realized, this would be the second highest corn yield on record, behind 2004. Growers are expected to harvest 79.3 million acres of corn for grain, down 8 percent from last year.

This latest forecast from the USDA is a good sign that America's corn crop is resilient and that the market forces are working. Critics have continued to promote a doomsday message of fear. It's a good thing American farmers don't listen to them. Or we'd all have a lot less food to eat.

Source: NASS

READ MORE

• Abundant Food and Energy Through Innovation
• Yield Increases Will Produce More Corn
• It's Not a Choice Between Food and Fuel—We'll Need Both
  
• Food vs. Fuel: A Global Myth

Never Miss a New Article--> Subscribe to updates by Email
Find What You Seek --> Search FoodandFuelAmerica.com



Food and Fuel America.com
http://www.foodandfuelamerica.com
Good and Balanced Food and Fuel News!

USDA to Tyson Foods: Stop Using Misleading Label

The USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has issued a letter to Tyson Foods, Inc. rescinding the "Raised Without Antibiotics That Impact Human Antibiotic Resistance" label.

FSIS ensures labels are not false and misleading. In December 2007, FSIS approved the qualified raised without antibiotics label based on information provided by Tyson Foods, Inc.

However, the FSIS found that Tyson Food routinely used the antibiotic Gentamicin to prevent illness and death in chicks.

The action was prompted by protests from other chicken producers crying "foul" over Tyson's claims. Tyson must stop using the label or any variation by June 18, 2008.

UPDATE 6/13 - The NWAnews reports today that Tyson Foods is suing USDA over this ruling:

Tyson Foods Inc., the second largest U. S. chicken producer, sued the U. S. Department of Agriculture to block a new rule requiring the company to alter its labeling concerning the use of antibiotics.

Source: USDA FSIS Statement on Tyson Foods

READ MORE

• Big Food Opposes Food Safety Funding Efforts
  
• AMI Opposes New Food Safety Initiatives
• Foodmakers Won't Overreact to Food Scares
• Food Safety: USDA Food Safety Recall Site

Never Miss a New Article--> Subscribe to updates by Email
Find What You Seek --> Search FoodandFuelAmerica.com



Food and Fuel America.com
http://www.foodandfuelamerica.com
Good and Balanced Food and Fuel News!

DOE and USDA Respond on Biofuels

Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Chairman Jeff Bingaman (NM) recently requested information about biofuels production and food prices from both the secretaries of the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the US Department of Energy (DOE).

Today both agencies responded with a joint letter (pdf).


Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman and Agriculture Secretary Ed Schafer noted the complex nature of food and fuel price issues and advised the senator “against hasty judgments driven by highly questionable, agenda-driven calculations, some of which have been featured prominently in the popular press.”

The secretaries also answered questions relating to the production of biofuels and the price of both food and fuel.

Food They responded that biofuels accounted for approximately 3-4 percent of the overall rise in domestic retail food prices. They also noted the many other factors contribute to higher commodity prices including increased demand for food; lowered production and reduced stocks due to weather; export restrictions and - record prices for gasoline and diesel fuel that have increased “the costs of producing, transporting, and processing food products.”

Fuel They said that ethanol is helping to keep fuel prices lower, “We estimate that, if we had not been blending ethanol into gasoline, gasoline prices would be between 20 cents per gallon to 35 cents per gallon higher.”

Source: USDA (pdf)

READ MORE

• Congress Learns Reasons for Rising Food Costs
• Food Price Problem: Outrageous Oil
• Rising Gas Prices Hurting Small Businesses

Never Miss a New Article--> Subscribe to updates by Email
Find What You Seek --> Search FoodandFuelAmerica.com



Food and Fuel America.com
http://www.foodandfuelamerica.com
Good and Balanced Food and Fuel News!

US Backs Biofuels at Food Summit

US Agriculture Secretary Ed Schafer backed continued support for biofuels during the recent High-Level Conference on World Food Security hosted by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations in Rome.

In his remarks, the secretary confirmed that the US remains committed to sustainable food production and biofuels.

The use of sustainable biofuels can increase energy security, foster economic development especially in rural areas, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions without weighing heavily on food prices.

The U.S. continues to lead on this issue. A recently passed law requires that we minimize possible food security and environmental concerns, in part through significant investment in next-generation biofuel technologies that do not rely on grains and oilseeds used for food or feed.

Let there be no mistake, the United States is firmly committed to the sustainable production and use of biofuels both domestically and globally.

Audio of his full remarks is available HERE.

Source: USDA

READ MORE

• USDA Responds to Food and Fuel Critics
• USDA: No Time To Lower Goals for Ethanol
  
• Biofuel Myths vs Facts
• World Demand Fuels Exports

Never Miss a New Article--> Subscribe to updates by Email
Find What You Seek --> Search FoodandFuelAmerica.com



Food and Fuel America.com
http://www.foodandfuelamerica.com
Good and Balanced Food and Fuel News!

World Demand Fuels Exports

According to a new USDA report (pdf), agricultural exports are expected to reach a record $108.5 billion for fiscal 2008.

The projections mark a $7.5 billion increase from February's previous record forecast and are $26.5 billion above final 2007 exports.

Announcing the new numbers, Agriculture Secretary Ed Schafer said:

“America’s increased export volume in bulk commodities like corn, other animal feeds and soybeans make agriculture the bright spot in the overall balance of trade.

U.S. producers are on track to export a record 63 million tons of corn, and set new export volume and value records for pork.

Export volumes and values are also up for many horticultural products with sales growth to Canada and the European Union being exceptionally strong.”

Grains and animal products exports account for two-thirds of the gains according to the new report.

Source: USDA, Outlook for US Agricultural Trade, May 2008 (pdf)

READ MORE

• Buying American Buys Freedom
  
• Oil Imports Fuel Trade Deficit
• US Spy Chief Warns of Oil Threat from Russia, China and OPEC
• $115 a Barrel Oil is Too Cheap
  

Never Miss a New Article--> Subscribe to updates by Email
Find What You Seek --> Search FoodandFuelAmerica.com



Food and Fuel America.com
http://www.foodandfuelamerica.com
Good and Balanced Food and Fuel News!

USDA: No Time to Lower Goals for Ethanol

US Agriculture Secretary Ed Schafer says this is no time to lower the goals for corn-based ethanol or blame ethanol production in the US for the run up in world food prices.

Schafer said that world food price increases are driven by a number of reasons including energy costs, low yields and bad weather.

"What's happening in the US today today is not affecting global food prices to the extent that people are talking about."

The USDA Secretary said that the US needs "to continue to develop the ethanol industry based on the corn feed stock so that we get to the long term issue of where we need to be of putting biomass in enough capacity."

Numerous reports over the past months have shown that energy costs--especially the rising cost of oil-- are driving up food prices and other consumer goods. American motorists know the pain every time they fill up at the pumps. But that same pain can be felt at the grocery store where higher energy costs impact every part of the food chain that brings food from the farm to the market.

List to the full report HERE (mp3)

Source: USDA

READ MORE

• New Texas A&M Study Shows Higher Oil Prices are Impacting Consumer Prices
• New Report Shows Ethanol Reduces Gas Prices
• Biofuel Myths vs Facts
• Gasoline Prices Rise and So Does Everything Else
  

Never Miss a New Article--> Subscribe to updates by Email
Find What You Seek --> Search FoodandFuelAmerica.com



Food and Fuel America.com
http://www.foodandfuelamerica.com
Good and Balanced Food and Fuel News!

Orange Flavored Ethanol

USDA researchers are turning oranges into ethanol in a new process being tested in Florida.

Being tested at an Agriculture Research Services lab in Winter Haven, the process uses the waste remains of oranges from the production of orange juice.

Only about 50 % of an orange is used in the orange juice production process. So the researchers are developing improved methods to turn the citrus peel and waste into ethanol that can be used as a transportation fuel.

The "oranges to ethanol" process is still being tested but it's possible that soon our cars will be running on this "juiced up" fuel.
The USDA has a video of the process available HERE (Windows Media)

Source: USDA

READ MORE

• Melons to Ethanol?
  
• Florida Invests in Ethanol
  
• Florida Launches Alternative Fuel Website
  

Subscribe to updates by Email
Search FoodandFuelAmerica.com



Food and Fuel America.com
http://www.foodandfuelamerica.com
Good and Balanced Food and Fuel News!

Research is Key to Advancing Renewable Energy

The USDA and the DOE will invest up to $18.4 million for research, development and demonstration of biomass projects.

In this audio report (mp3), the announcement underscores the importance of research and development in advancing renewable energy.

These projects aim to address critical barriers to making production of biomass more efficient and cost-effective, in an effort to advance the Bush Administration's strategy of more clean, bio-based products and biofuels to help reduce our dependence on oil from unstable parts of the world and mitigate climate change.

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Ed Schafer spoke of the importance of this investment:

"These grants help fund the innovative research needed to develop technologies and systems that lead to the production of bio-based products and biofuels," Schafer said. "Funding new technologies will help make biofuels competitive with fossil fuels in the commercial market, putting America on the path of reducing its dependence on foreign oil."

"Continued investments in biomass are critical to furthering the President's goal of making available clean, abundant and domestically produced biofuels for widespread use," Secretary Bodman said. "Increasing supplies of renewable energy and using more energy efficient technologies must continue to play an indispensable role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and meeting the rapidly growing demand for energy."

More information on President Bush's Advanced Energy Initiative, is available HERE.

Source: USDA

READ MORE

• Biofuels Research Helps Local Economy
• USDA Promotes Green Products
  
• Florida Invests in Renewable Energy
• Melons to Ethanol?
  

Subscribe to updates by Email
Search FoodandFuelAmerica.com



Food and Fuel America.com
http://www.foodandfuelamerica.com
Good and Balanced Food and Fuel News!

Dr. Earl Butz, Friend of Agriculture

Dr. Earl L. Butz, former Secretary of the US Department of Agriculture, died Saturday. He was 98 and the oldest living former cabinet member.

Dr. Butz was secretary of the USDA during the Nixon and Ford administrations.

Dr. Butz was noted for his strong convictions to free American farmers from oppressive federal agricultural policy that limited production and he re-engineered many New Deal era farm support programs.

His advice to farmers was "get big or get out," and he encouraged farmers to plant crops like corn "from fence row to fence row."

In the 2007 movie, "King Corn", the two novice filmmakers visited Dr. Butz to share their views about corn. In one of the more memorable moments of the film, Dr. Butz showed that he could still tangle over farm policy. The filmmakers left licking their wounds. Maybe they'll learn not to pick on 97 year olds again!

After a lifetime of service, it's time to say goodbye to a friend of agriculture and America.

READ MORE

• New King Corn Movie: Two Ears Down
  
• A-maize-ing Fact: One Bushel of Corn
  
• Ed Schafer Sworn In as New USDA Secretary
  

Subscribe to updates by Email
Search FoodandFuelAmerica.com



Food and Fuel America.com
http://www.foodandfuelamerica.com
Good and Balanced Food and Fuel News!

Beef Prices Expected to Fall

According to the USDA, beef prices are expected to fall in 2008.

In this audio report (mp3), USDA economist Joel Greene explains that beef costs will drop for several factors. These include a good supply of beef and other meats and possible decline in consumer spending due to economic uncertainty.

This report offers a good point that beef and meat prices are most affected by supply and demand issues---not input costs like feed grains. And consumer prices are most impacted by energy, labor and marketing costs often at the closest point of the retail sale.

Source: USDA

READ MORE

• Strong Egg Demand Driving Higher Prices
  
• Beef Myths Exposed as Pure Bull
  
• How Much Corn is Actually Represented in Meat?
• Energy Prices Play a Larger Role in Food Costs
  

Subscribe to updates by Email
Search FoodandFuelAmerica.com



Food and Fuel America.com
http://www.foodandfuelamerica.com
Good and Balanced Food and Fuel News!

Ed Schafer Sworn in as New Secretary of USDA

Former North Dakota Governor Ed Schafer was sworn in as the new Secretary of the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) by Vice President Dick Chaney on Monday, January 28, 2008.

Schafer served as North Dakota's governor from 1992 to 2000 and made diversifying and expanding North Dakota's economy, reducing the cost of government and advancing agriculture his top priorities in office.

Before entering public life, Schafer was an executive with the Gold Seal Company in Bismarck, a successful marketer of nationally-known consumer products such as "Mr. Bubble" bubble bath, "Glass Wax" glass cleaner and "Snowy Bleach." The company had been founded by his father, Harold Schafer.

Secretary Schafer enjoys the outdoors and his hobbies include bicycling, hiking, scuba diving and restoring classic automobiles. He and his wife, Nancy, have four children; Tom Schafer, Ellie Schafer and Eric Jones and Kari Jones; and eight grandchildren.

Source: USDA

READ MORE

• President Bush Nominates Ed Schafer to Secretary of Agriculture
  
• A-maize-ing Fact: One Bushel of Corn
  
• How Much Corn is Actually Represented in Meat?
• North Dakota Corn Growers Speak on Food vs. Fuel
• ND Ag Commissioner: Naysayers Are Wrong About Ethanol

Subscribe to updates by Email
Search FoodandFuelAmerica.com



Food and Fuel America.com
http://www.foodandfuelamerica.com
Good and Balanced Food and Fuel News!

Senate Considers Schafer Nomination

The U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee will hold a hearing Thursday January 24, 2008, on former North Dakota Gov. Ed Schafer's nomination as U.S. Secretary of Agriculture.

President Bush nominated Governor Schafer last October upon the resignation of Mike Johanns.

Gov. Schafer's nomination appearance is not expected to be controversial and he could be confirmed quickly by the full Senate.

The hearing, scheduled for 3:30-5:30 pm EDT UPDATED, will be broadcast online. CLICK HERE to watch the hearing live (Real Video player required).

Source: US Senate

READ MORE

• President Bush Nominates Ed Schafer to Secretary of Agriculture
  
• A-maize-ing Fact: One Bushel of Corn
  
• US Ag Secretary Defends Corn Ethanol
• How Much Corn is Actually Represented in Meat?
• North Dakota Corn Growers Speak on Food vs. Fuel
• ND Ag Commissioner: Naysayers Are Wrong About Ethanol
  

Subscribe to updates by Email
Search FoodandFuelAmerica.com



Food and Fuel America.com
http://www.foodandfuelamerica.com
Good and Balanced Food and Fuel News!

President Bush Nominates Ed Schafer for Secretary of Agriculture

Yesterday President Bush announced the nomination of Ed Schafer to be the next Secretary of Agriculture.

The Secretary of Agriculture heads a Cabinet department of more than 100,000 employees.

The president said that Ed Schafer is the right choice to fill this post because he was a leader on agricultural issues during his eight years as the governor of North Dakota.

The president said that in his new job, Ed will carry on the work of another fine public servant, Mike Johanns.

The president also thanked Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Chuck Conner for serving as Acting Secretary during this time of transition.

READ MORE

• Acting USDA Secretary Touts Corn and Ethanol Successes
• A-Maize-ing Fact: One Bushel of Corn
• USDA Forecasts Record-Setting Corn Crop for 2007
  
• Oil Prices and Weather Driving Up Food Prices
• Big Oil's War on Ethanol
  
• How Much Corn is Actually Represented in Meat?
• US Ag Secretary Defends Corn Ethanol
• Pres Bush Announces Resignation of Secretary of Agriculture
  
• More Food Cost articles

Subscribe to updates by Email



Food and Fuel America.com
http://www.foodandfuelamerica.com
Good and Balanced Food and Fuel News!

USDA Report Forecasts Increased Corn Production

The USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service released its October Crop Report for corn Friday and predicts an even higher corn production forecast than for the 2007 harvest. This is a good sign that the market is responding to increased demand.

Specifically, the report forecasts:

• Corn production is forecast at 13.3 billion bushels -- up 26 percent above 2006.
• Yields are expected to average 154.7 bushels per acre, down 1.1 bushels from September but 5.6 bushels above last year.
  
• Production would be the largest on record as growers expect to harvest the most corn acres for grain since 1933.

READ MORE

• Acting USDA Secretary Touts Corn and Ethanol Successes
• A-Maize-ing Fact: One Bushel of Corn
• USDA Forecasts Record-Setting Corn Crop for 2007
  
• Oil Prices and Weather Driving Up Food Prices
  

Subscribe to updates by Email



Food and Fuel America.com
http://www.foodandfuelamerica.com
Good and Balanced Food and Fuel News!

Acting USDA Secretary Touts Corn and Ethanol Successes

Acting Agriculture Secretary Chuck Conner spoke yesterday to the Consumer Federation of America in Washington D.C. In his remarks, he touted the successes of corn growers and the remarkable achievements of the ethanol industry.

He also commented on several key issues regarding ethanol capacity growth, corn production, food cost issues that are worth reading.

Growth of the ethanol production capacity

The growth we are seeing this year both in terms of our nation's capacity to produce ethanol and in farmers' ability to supply the corn to feed those ethanol plants is really a remarkable story.

Producers' ability to grow enough corn for food and fuel

Our farmers have responded to these new market conditions by planting, as you might expect, an additional 15 million acres of corn-a total of almost 93 million acres today in all-which is corn acreage we haven't seen since prior to World War II.

Availability of corn for livestock feed

An important factor to remember in this debate is that we will be feeding more corn this year than we have in the past.

Concerns that demand for corn causes higher food prices

The argument runs that higher corn prices will lead to higher prices for animal feed and therefore, indirectly, to higher prices for meat and dairy products. Our economists, again, believe this has been overstated.

Impact of higher energy costs in food processing

We should also remember that food processing, packaging and transportation are all extremely energy intensive and are directly affected by higher oil prices.

Markets responding to changes and opportunities

And if you believe-as I do-in the power of markets to put resources to their best use, you should be very encouraged by the signs we see of vibrancy and growth in this market.

And finally, the secretary shared the administration's goal for renewable fuels:

I believe Americans want to see this nation boost our renewable energy production, to do it as quickly as possible, to meet ambitious goals like the one the President has proposed of using 35 billion gallons of renewables by 2017.

Source: USDA

READ MORE

• Big Oil's War on Ethanol
  
• How Much Corn is Actually Represented in Meat?
• US Ag Secretary Defends Corn Ethanol
• Pres Bush Announces Resignation of Secretary of Agriculture
  
• More Food Cost articles

Food and Fuel America.com
http://www.foodandfuelamerica.com
Good and Balanced Food and Fuel News!