Food vs. Fuel

*I got the following email from my friend Samantha. She works for Foster Farms. This is important so please read it. Thanks so much!*

Friends & Family,

Corn is the single biggest component of what we feed our chickens and turkeys at Foster Farms, representing about 32% of our total cost to produce chicken and turkey---and my guess is, that’s not much different from any other animal proteins we consume. A bushel of corn cost about $2.25 in 2006 and today that same bushel cost $7.26. The production of ethanol for fuel from corn has been a primary reason for this dramatic increase in corn cost. The Energy Policy Act of 2005 created the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) that mandated the use of 4 billion gallons of ethanol in 2006 increasing to 7.5 billion gallons in 2012. The RFS was modified in 2007 increasing the use of ethanol to 9 billion gallons in 2008. Approximately 34% of this year’s corn crop will be used for ethanol production.

We all recognize the need for a National Energy Policy that frees the US from our dependence on imported oil. Wind energy, solar, nuclear and drilling in our own untapped oil reserves are all alternatives we must explore. Ethanol from corn is not a part of the solution. It is subsidized by the government at $0.51 per gallon to the benefit of the producers. It is mandated to be used regardless of price by the RFS. It is protected from competition by a $0.56 per gallon tariff on imported ethanol. It is a major contributor to the 9% food inflation we now are suffering. It threatens our success both individually and as a company.

TAKE ACTION! Today there is a proposal being considered by the EPA that would suspend 50% of the RFS, reduce the demand for corn caused by ethanol and hopefully reduce the price of corn. You must file your comment by Monday, June 23rd.

Go to this site and follow the instructions to let the politicians know you support the waiver. Thanks so much!!