NCGA Gratified by Bush Remarks on Corn Ethanol(4-29-08)

ST. LOUIS (April 29, 2008) -- National Corn Growers Association President Ron Litterer said corn growers are gratified by President George W. Bush statements today that corn ethanol is not the culprit for rising food prices.

In his press conference, President Bush told reporters weather, increased global demand and rising energy prices are the main culprits to rising food prices.

“Corn growers have been providing a solution to our nation’s energy problems by producing corn for ethanol use, in addition to our other markets,” Litterer, a grower from Greene, Iowa, said. “It is gratifying our nation’s chief executive acknowledge the reasons behind rising food prices.”

Corn growers have been the target of attacks in recent weeks that attempt to shift the blame to ethanol on rising food prices. “The price of a barrel of oil speaks volumes,” Litterer added. “Those who point the finger at farmers are ignoring the real problem--$120-a-barrel oil.”