NEW YORK (Dow Jones)–Ethanol producers have launched a new organization, Growth Energy, to combat claims that the corn-based fuel has driven food prices upward.
The companies, including ethanol producers POET LLC and Green Plains Renewable Energy Inc. (GPRE) plant-builder ICM, said the group would be an aggressive voice in the energy debate. The companies will continue to be members of existing trade organizations such as the Renewable Fuels Association.
Growth Energy has launched an ad campaign and developed a policy brief, saying that ethanol isn't responsible for increased food prices.
“We believe that Growth Energy will be a new, fresh, aggressive voice in the energy debate,” said POET Chief Executive Jeff Broin, speaking at a press conference Tuesday. He said the group would drive the message of ethanol forward.
The companies say energy costs and factors outside of ethanol drove food prices upward. At the press conference, executives from the companies involved in Growth Energy said they were responding to a “smear campaign” from large food producers, who had blamed ethanol for rising food prices.
Growth Energy said its campaign comes at a time when corn prices have decreased by more than 50% and oil prices have been tumbling while food prices continue to soar.
On May 31, 21 members of the House, led by Rep. Darin LaHood, R-Ill., sent a letter to U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai urging her to protect U.S. farmers and biofuel producers and prioritize U.S. #ethanol export competitiveness in Brazil.https://t.co/Ugx88bA1KT https://t.co/bmf7EjdNxA
via @EthanolMagazine
Protecting #IA04 farmers and #ethanol producers will always be a top priority for me in Congress. I appreciate working with my @WaysandMeansGOP colleague @RepLaHood to ensure American ethanol exports receive fair treatment and robust market access in Brazil. https://t.co/pX246NiqLn
via @RepFeenstra
.@NUVUFUELS: "In Michigan alone, the higher biofuel blend offers drivers more than $1 billion in fuel savings annually, reduces emissions, and supports the state’s rural economy." twitter.com/Lwl_First_Look…
via @GrowthEnergy
Celebrated the nation's second #E15 standard with @RFNebraska's Dawn Caldwell and Traci Menke. Thank you for your work getting #LB562 signed into law. Nebraskan families will see savings at the pump this summer! cc: @LadyOfAg https://t.co/uPgLthktdZ
via @EmilySkor