Rose A. Valenta — March 31, 2007 — World
References: msnbc.msn
According to the US Department of Agriculture, farmers are anxious to cash in on the demand for ethanol. So much so, that soy and cotton will be taking a back seat to corn-growing to the tune of 13.5 billion bushels.
The food vs. fuel debate among growers has intensified because the US Government has legislated that ethanol be used as a “blender with conventional petrol,†causing a surge in demand for the product.
It is expected that Brazilian and Argentine growers will produce more soy to off-set the void created by US farmers. The trade-off is the US will pay more for animal feed made from imported soy.
Over the last three years, I have noticed a rise in the price of corn at my local roadside market during harvest season. In 2004, ears of sweet corn were priced at $2.50 a dozen; in 2005 the price went up to $3.00; last summer corn hit an all-time high of $3.75 a dozen. This year, I'm ordering corn seeds out of the Burpee Seed catalog, till in some cow dung, grow it myself, and have it for 50 cents a dozen, with a little left over for moonshine.
Photo Credt: judestoryteller WebShots
The food vs. fuel debate among growers has intensified because the US Government has legislated that ethanol be used as a “blender with conventional petrol,†causing a surge in demand for the product.
It is expected that Brazilian and Argentine growers will produce more soy to off-set the void created by US farmers. The trade-off is the US will pay more for animal feed made from imported soy.
Over the last three years, I have noticed a rise in the price of corn at my local roadside market during harvest season. In 2004, ears of sweet corn were priced at $2.50 a dozen; in 2005 the price went up to $3.00; last summer corn hit an all-time high of $3.75 a dozen. This year, I'm ordering corn seeds out of the Burpee Seed catalog, till in some cow dung, grow it myself, and have it for 50 cents a dozen, with a little left over for moonshine.
Photo Credt: judestoryteller WebShots
Trend Themes
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Increase in Ethanol Demand — The demand for ethanol is creating an opportunity for increased production and development in the ethanol industry.
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Food Vs. Fuel Debate — The ongoing debate between using crops for food or fuel is raising questions and creating potential for disruptive innovation in agriculture and energy sectors.
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Rising Corn Prices — The steady increase in corn prices is demonstrating a need for alternative solutions and technologies in corn production and distribution.
Industry Implications
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Ethanol Industry — The growing demand for ethanol presents a disruption opportunity for companies in the ethanol production, distribution, and technology sectors.
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Agriculture Industry — The food vs. fuel debate is calling for innovative approaches in crop production, farming techniques, and sustainable agriculture practices.
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Energy Industry — The increasing demand for ethanol as a fuel source highlights the need for advancements in renewable energy technologies and infrastructure.
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