Food And Fuel Resource Center

U.S. corn growers are proud to work hard and be able to meet the demand for corn for food, feed, fuel and fiber. We’re also proud of the important role corn ethanol plays in reducing our nation’s dependence on foreign oil, in helping protect the environment and in boosting our nation’s economy. These resources were prepared to help you understand the truth regarding ethanol’s positive impact.

What's New

• A bipartisan group of 32 lawmakers led by Rep. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin (D-S.D.) and Rep. John Shimkus (R-Ill.) asked the EPA June 6 to preserve the renewable fuels standard (RFS) enacted in last year’s Energy Bill by refusing to grant any requests to waive or halt the RFS. Click here for the letter.
• A nonpartisan organization that brings together the governors of a dozen states to work together on issues of significance to the Midwest called on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency June 3 to uphold the “new and higher” renewable fuels standard. Click here for the letter.
• Stating that the current anti-ethanol campaign waged by the Grocery Manufacturers Association will only hurt its member companies in the long run, the National Corn Growers Association and other agriculture groups urged the organization May 29 to end its high-priced PR campaign against corn ethanol. Click here for the letter.
• USDA officials held a media briefing May 19 to “join in the public conversation about the relationship between food prices and biofuels.” Agriculture Secretary Ed Schafer said his intention was to make the case for food AND fuel. Click here for the complete transcript.
• NCGA Chief Executive Officer Rick Tolman testified on Capitol Hill May 6 regarding ethanol and the renewable fuels standard. (Click Here) for testimony, an audio report and the news release.
• On May 1, BusinessWeek published the article “Is Ethanol Getting a Bum Wrap?” The magazine’s senior correspondent says corn ethanol isn't the villain critics contend, but shifting to other crops is critical. (Click Here) for the article.

General Information

More Than Biofuels
The corn that goes into ethanol also will result in key coproducts that replace some of the corn that previously went straight into feed for livestock.

Ethanol Helps Rural Economies
Short transportation distances and local investment have led to most ethanol facilities being centrally located in the United States, providing more economic independence and energy security to our country while supporting local jobs.

Introductory Backgrounder
This document clarifies how corn ethanol has little impact on retail food prices, helps bring down the cost of gasoline at the pump and benefits our domestic economy.

U.S. Corn Industry Statistics
In 2007, corn growers produced a record harvest of 13.1 billion bushels, providing for a sizable surplus and record exports. This document is updated monthly with the latest figures from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

A Tale of Two Corns
Most American consumers don’t realize the key differences between field and sweet corn, and why 99 percent of corn grown is not the kind you’ll find at your local farmer’s market.

Using Technology to Feed and Fuel the World
New technologies are allowing U.S. corn farmers to produce substantially more corn per acre of land in a sustainable way, thus helping to meet growing demand for food and fuel.

Top Ten Myths about Corn and Ethanol
This one-page document exposes the top ten myths about corn and ethanol.