WASHINGTON, DC – The most recent USDA planting forecast predicting a potential near-record corn crop shows that U.S. farmers can produce more than enough corn to meet both domestic food, feed and fuel demands, as well as meet corn export demands, according to a statement by Growth Energy, the coalition of U.S. ethanol supporters.
The USDA prediction, released today, predicted that record-high surpluses of corn will continue to mount, despite an increase in demand for ethanol production.
“The latest crop forecasts prove that our farmers can produce more than enough grain to satisfy all the demand for food, fuel and feed in this country – and still meet the demand for corn exports. Improvements in farm technology and farm practices mean we’ll be able to produce all the grain we need,” said Growth Energy CEO Tom Buis. “This is yet another example of dispelling the myths and lies perpetuated by those who tried to say there was a “food-versus-fuel” issue. There is no issue with food-versus-fuel.”
“These reports also illustrate why it makes no sense to rely on any foreign source of energy – whether it’s Middle East oil or Brazilian sugarcane ethanol – when we have the ability to produce more than enough to meet all U.S. demand. Further, since Brazil has failed to produce enough sugarcane to meet its own domestic ethanol needs, it makes no sense to replace our addiction on foreign oil with an addiction to foreign ethanol. Our economy suffers every time there’s an oil disruption and price shocks, and depending on foreign ethanol from countries that cannot produce enough to meet their own needs would do the same. It is time for America to invest in its own energy production, and invest in ethanol, America’s fuel. That would create U.S. jobs, strengthen our national and economic security, and revitalize rural communities.”
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About Growth Energy
Growth Energy is a group committed to the promise of agriculture and growing America’s economy through cleaner, greener energy. Growth Energy members recognize America needs a new ethanol approach. Through smart policy reform and a proactive grassroots campaign, Growth Energy promotes reducing greenhouse gas emissions, expanding the use of ethanol in gasoline, decreasing our dependence on foreign oil, and creating American jobs at home. More information can be found at GrowthEnergy.org.