FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Learn about Corn and Corn Products at the 2008 Ag Expo

DEWITT, MICH. ― Where can you find the newest corn-based products, corn-powered vehicles and a corn-powered superhero named Captain Cornelius all in one place? Stop by Tent A at the 2008 Ag Expo and visit the Corn Marketing Program of Michigan (CMPM) and the Michigan Corn Growers Association (MCGA) booth for lots of great information and giveaways relating to one of Michigan’s most widely grown crops, corn.

The 29th annual Ag Expo, held July 15-17 on the campus of Michigan State University (MSU), combines the MSU College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, MSU Extension, various commodity groups, equipment manufacturers and dealers, and many other groups involved in agribusiness for a three-day outdoor show. Visitors can view demonstrations and exhibits on equipment, products, and services of interest to farmers and agribusinesses.

“Agriculture is Michigan’s second largest industry and corn is the largest crop in our state. The industry is always changing and we are working to develop new uses and markets for corn,” said Jody Pollok-Newsom, CMPM executive director. “That is why the CMPM and MCGA booth combines the latest information on ethanol, corn-based plastics and fabrics, corn heating units, corn-related research, and facts and information to bust the myths on ethanol and corn. We strive to show our growers and other Ag Expo attendees where the Michigan corn industry is today and where it is headed in the future.”

As one of the many exciting uses for corn, ethanol will be one of the focuses of the CMPM and MCGA booth. “Ethanol production facilities have created another market for Michigan’s corn crop. Michigan currently has five ethanol plants with the capacity to produce more than 250 million gallons of ethanol annually. These plants help create a greater demand for Michigan’s corn and also help satisfy the already high demand for ethanol in our state,” said Pollok-Newsom.

To showcase ethanol use, General Motors will have a Flex Fuel Vehicle (FFV) onsite for the public to view. A FFV can run on ordinary gasoline, gasoline blended with up to 85 percent ethanol and all combinations in between.

In addition to information on ethanol, products made from corn-based plastics will also be on display at the booth. The higher price of petroleum-based products has helped to increase the market for more environmentally-friendly, corn-based plastics. Companies are now looking to utilize corn-based plastics to not only be environmentally-friendly, but also to make economical business decisions. They are finding new and improved ways to make plastic from corn polymers which will degrade in a fraction of the time their petroleum-based counterparts need. Three corn-based gift baskets will be given away.

Also featured at the corn booth will be everyone’s favorite corn-powered superhero, Captain Cornelius. Captain Cornelius will be available each day to meet children and pose for a free picture they can take home with them. There will also be balloons, popcorn, and Captain Cornelius tattoos for children, so be sure to visit the CMPM and MCGA booth to learn more about corn.

Headquartered in DeWitt, the CMPM is a legislatively-established statewide program that utilizes one-cent per bushel of Michigan corn sold. Investments are made in the areas of research, education, market development, and new uses in an effort to enhance the economic position of Michigan corn producers. CMPM works cooperatively with the MCGA, a grassroots-membership association representing the state’s corn producer’s political interests. For more information on the CMPM and the MCGA, visit the web site at www.micorn.org.