Jul 7, 2008NY Times ED Man-Made Hunger
NY Times Editorial
Thirty countries have already seen food riots this year. The ever higher cost
of food could push tens of millions of people into abject poverty and
starvation
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May 13, 2008Corn Prices Rise, Pitting Chickens Against Ethanol
By Cindy Skrzycki
Taking corn from the mouths of chickens to put into the gas tanks of U.S. cars and trucks is causing feathers to fly in Washington. The $40 billion chicken industry, along with livestock producers, oil interests, grocers and some environmental and anti-hunger groups are...
Balancedfoodandfuel.orgmore
Apr 28, 2008Food for Fuel
Using a global staple such as corn for biofuel rather than food seemed to make sense when there was a surplus of cheap grain and worsening U.S. dependence on foreign oil. The federal government was quick to boost the new industry with escalating mandates that require 8 billion gallons of...
Houston Chroniclemore
Apr 24, 2008Hungry Like the Ethanol Wolf
By The Editors
The federal government can do something right now to provide relief to Americans facing higher food prices: Repeal the ethanol mandate. The diversion of one-third of the American corn crop into ethanol production is a direct result of the 2005 law that required gasoline...
Balancedfoodandfuel.orgmore
Apr 19, 2008Corn-Based Ethanol Tied to Higher Food Costs
By Siobhan Hughes
Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman said Friday that the growing emphasis on corn-based ethanol has contributed to higher food prices, and he said the nation should begin "moving away gradually" from ethanol made from food such as corn.
The Wall Street Journalmore
Apr 15, 2008We are victims of ethanol's unintended consequences
By James Regions
The Willow Brook Foods bad-news headline would have been more accurate if it announced, "Lost to Ethanol, 780 Local Jobs."
Almost lost in the announcement of job losses at Willow Brook Foods on March 30, was the phrase, "...rising feed costs have posed significant...
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Apr 7, 2008Grains Gone Wild
By Paul Krugman
These days you hear a lot about the world financial crisis. But there’s another world crisis under way — and it’s hurting a lot more people
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Apr 7, 2008Soaring Food Costs Seen Linked to Rapidly Expanding Ethanol Sector
NEW ORLEANS – April 7, 2008 – Soaring food prices in the United States are caused in part by $25 billion per year in unnecessary costs imposed on food producers by the federally subsidized ethanol industry, which is itself teetering on the brink of contraction due to rampant over-expansion and...
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Apr 6, 2008Soaring Food Costs are tied to Bad U.S. Energy Policy
By Linda Chavez
As if a housing crisis, rising energy costs and a soft labor market weren't enough to cause economic anxiety for the average American, now consumers are feeling the pinch of rapidly escalating food costs. The United States has long prided itself in being the breadbasket of...
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Mar 27, 2008The Clean Energy Scam
By Michael Grunwald
From his Cessna a mile above the southern Amazon, John Carter looks down on the destruction of the world's greatest ecological jewel. He watches men converting rain forest into cattle pastures and soybean fields with bulldozers and chains. He sees fires wiping out such...
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Mar 26, 2008U.N.'s Pachauri Urges Caution in Biofuel Use
By Ingrid Melander
BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The world must take care when developing biofuels to avoid perverse environmental effects and higher food prices, Nobel Peace Prize winner and climate change scientist Rajendra Pachauri said on Wednesday.
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Mar 25, 2008Top Scientists Warn Against Rush to Biofuel
By James Randerson and Nicholas Watt
Gordon Brown is preparing for a battle with the European Union over biofuels after one of the government's leading scientists warned they could exacerbate climate change rather than combat it.
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Mar 24, 2008Biofuel Support Policy Costs to the U.S. Economy
By Dr. Thomas E. Elam, President, FarmEcon LLC
The U.S. government has a long history of aiding the biofuel industry. In 1978 the first federal financial supports for use of ethanol blended with gasoline were set at a fixed $0.40 per gallon payment for 1 gallon of ethanol added to 9...
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Mar 20, 2008Study: More Ethanol Production Bad for Gulf of Mexico
The rush in the United States to produce corn-based ethanol as an alternative fuel will likely worsen pollution in the Gulf of Mexico and expand the annual "dead zone" that kills fish and other aquatic life, according to new research.
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Mar 18, 2008the Growing Food Cost Crisis
By Kent Garber
The troubles erupted early last year. First, there were the tortilla riots in Mexico City: 75,000 angry demonstrators, mostly poor, taking to the streets to protest the surging price of a food staple. Then in Italy, merchants from Milan began clamoring about the cost of...
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Mar 18, 2008Corn Can't Save Us
By David Pimentel
Dwindling foreign oil, rising prices at the gas pump and hype from politically well-connected U.S. agribusiness have combined to create a frenzied rush to convert food grains into ethanol fuel. The move is badly conceived and ill advised.
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Mar 14, 2008Why your food is costing more money
By Tom Curry
If you’re fuming about how high gasoline prices have gotten, why not relax with a nice meal? Perhaps a few beers and a turkey sandwich? Maybe a chicken Caesar salad? Well, it's not just the price of gasoline that's going up. That beer, turkey and chicken are also costing more...
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Mar 13, 2008Pilgrim's Pride to Close Plants
By Lauren Etter
Pilgrim's Pride Corp., the world's largest poultry producer by volume, said it is paring its chicken business, slashing more than a thousand U.S. jobs in the process, as soaring grain prices pinch margins.
The Wall Street Journalmore
Mar 12, 2008Ethanol is a cruel hoax on the American consumer
By Walter Williams
One of the many mandates of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 calls for oil companies to increase the amount of ethanol mixed with gasoline. President Bush said, during his 2006 State of the Union address, "America is addicted to oil, which is often imported from unstable...
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Feb 26, 2008Wholesale Prices Jump in January
By MARTIN CRUTSINGER
The Associated Press
WASHINGTON -- Battered by bad economic news, consumer confidence plunged while wholesale food, energy and medicine costs soared, pushing inflation up at the fastest pace in a quarter century.
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Feb 26, 2008High food prices may force aid rationing
By Javier Blas in Washington and Gillian Tett in London
The United Nation’s agency responsible for relieving hunger is drawing up plans to ration food aid in response to the spiralling cost of agricultural commodities.
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Feb 21, 2008Ethanol Demand in U.S. Adds to Food, Fertilizer Costs
By Alan Bjerga
Feb. 21 (Bloomberg) -- U.S. plans to replace 15 percent of gasoline consumption with crop-based fuels including ethanol are already leading to some unintended consequences as food prices and fertilizer costs increase.
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Feb 21, 2008Food takes bigger bite from wallet
By Mike Hughlett and Mary Ellen Podmolik, Chicago Tribune Hughlett reported from Florida;Podmolik reported from Chicago. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Sara Lee Corp., stung by record-high wheat prices, plans to raise prices on its namesake bread this spring, the...
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Feb 8, 2008Study: Ethanol May Add to Global Warming
By H. JOSEF HEBERT
The Associated Press
WASHINGTON -- The widespread use of ethanol
from corn could result in nearly twice the greenhouse
gas emissions as the gasoline it would replace because
of expected land-use changes, researchers concluded
Thursday. The study challenges the...
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Feb 4, 2008Hefty Grain Prices Will Keep Egg, Dairy and Protein Costs High
Corn, wheat and soybeans—consider them the building blocks of food cost. The Mitchell Report aside, grain prices may as well have been on steroids for the past two years, and 2008 looks to be more of the same.
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Feb 4, 2008Biofuels Policy to Affect Poultry
Paul of Poultry Perspectives in Storrs, Conn., prepared an invited lecture paper for the World’s Poultry Science Assn. on the “Impact on the World Poultry Industry of the Global Shift to Biofuels.”
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Jan 30, 2008The Promise of Cellulosic Ethanol
Contributed by Rep. G.K. Butterfield (D-N.C.)
As we move forward toward diversifying our nation's energy supplies and addressing the challenge of global warming, it
is vitally important to closely monitor reliance on corn-based ethanol.
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Jan 27, 2008The Egg As Economic Indicator
High gasoline prices routinely make headlines - and draw consumers' ire. Although the price of eggs also has been rising, it hasn't received much attention. Maybe that's because egg prices aren't posted on giant billboards.
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Jan 14, 2008Corn is Golden, so Conservation Takes Hit
By Spencer Hunt
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH
Higher corn prices have farmers dropping out of a conservation program that pays them to plant grasses instead of crops.
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Dec 13, 2007The end of cheap food
Released Dec. 6, 2007 From The Economist print edition FOR as long as most people can remember, food has been getting cheaper and farming has been in decline. In 1974-2005 food prices on world markets fell by three-quarters in real terms. Food today is so cheap that the West is battling...
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Dec 12, 2007Food vs. Fuel
By Robert J. Samuelson If people can't eat, they can't do much else. One of the great achievements of the past century has been the enormous expansion of food production, which has virtually eliminated starvation in advanced countries and has made huge gains against it in poor countries.
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Dec 7, 2007Ethanol bill fuels food
Expect the price of beef, pork, chicken and a
host of other goods to go up if the House
energy bill becomes law. But the trade-off may
be worth it.
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Dec 6, 2007Statement of Administration Policy
In his 2007 State of the Union Address, President Bush announced the “Twenty in Ten” Initiative, a plan to reduce projected gasoline usage in the United States by 20 percent in 10 years. “Twenty in Ten” called on Congress to pass legislation that would: (1) establish an Alternative Fuel Standard...
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Dec 5, 2007NCBA Vote NO on House Energy Bill
Dear Representative:
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) urges you to vote ‘NO’ on the newly amended version of H.R. 6, the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007. Cattle producers support efforts to develop renewable and alternative sources of energy; however, the impact...
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Dec 5, 2007U.S. Chamber of Commerce Letter of Opposition
TO THE MEMBERS OF THE U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES:
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the world’s largest business federation
representing more than three million businesses and organizations of every size, sector, and region, strongly urges you to oppose the “Energy Independence and Security...
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Dec 5, 2007National Turkey Federation Letter of Opposition
Dear Representative:
The National Turkey Federation (NTF) urges you to vote "NO" on the most recent version of H.R.6, the Energy Independence and Security
Act of 2007.
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Dec 5, 2007Grocery Manufactures Association Bill Opposition Letter
Dear Representative:
As the largest association of food and beverage companies in the world, the Grocery Manufacturers Association strongly opposes efforts
to increase the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) in the energy legislation coming to the House floor this week. The legislation would
...
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Dec 3, 2007White House Letter of Opposition
Dear Madam Speaker:
As part of his State of the Union Address this past January, the President announced "Twenty in Ten," a comprehensive vision for a
more secure, cleaner energy future. This proposal wpouldn't cut U.S. gasoline consumption by 20% by 2017 and would significantly
reduce...
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Dec 1, 2007Ethanol policy – what a turkey
By Ernest Istook
Ethanol subsidies are raising our food prices – dubbed the
"Thanksgiving Tax" because it upped the cost we paid for
Thanksgiving dinner
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Nov 29, 2007Food Industry Coalition Letter of Opposition
Dear Leaders:
While we support a balanced energy policy that puts us on the path to energy security and a cleaner environment, the undersigned
organizations and companies strongly oppose the Renewable Fuels Standard that is reportedly being considered for inclusion in new
energy...
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Nov 29, 2007Independent Cattlemen’s Assoc. of TX Letter of Opposition
Dear Representative:
Texas livestock strongly opposes all efforts to increase the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). Please vote against any increase to the RFS that may be offered as part of the Farm Bill, the Energy Bill or any other bill.
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Nov 28, 2007Ethanol a sticking point in energy bill
WASHINGTON — With oil prices in record territory, presidential candidates stumping for votes in corn-centric Iowa, and congressional. Democrats anxious to pass an energy bill to cut the nation's dependence on Mideast oil, this should be the right moment for ethanol.
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Nov 24, 2007Ethanol's Bottom Line
By ROBERT HAHN
To hear the candidates tell it -- especially those on the stump in Iowa --
ethanol is the answer to America's energy-security woes. And back in
Washington, politicians since 1978 have been putting your money where
their mouths are: Ethanol is currently subsidized to the...
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Oct 11, 2007Ethanol Industry Is Losing Clout
The stalling ethanol industry wants Congress to mandate greater use of the biofuel. But many of the industry's former friends have turned against it amid soaring prices for corn and other grains.
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Jun 29, 2007Two necessities, fuel and food, create spiral of rising pricesBy Victor Davis Hanson
While we worry about gas prices, the costs of milk, meat and fresh produce silently soar. So like the end of cheap energy, is the era of cheap food also finally over?
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Jun 28, 2007Food costs rise as corn prices skyrocketBy Jennifer Ruggiero
Restaurant owners and their customers are paying the price for a greener Earth.
The United States' expanded production of ethanol has sent the price of corn skyrocketing, from previous highs of about $2 a bushel to more than $3.50 today.
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Jun 27, 2007How more ethanol means pricier pizza
Rising Prices for Corn Drives Up Cost of Milk and Other Dairy Products
Milk may do a body good, but these days it's probably your wallet that gets the big workout.
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Jun 26, 2007Ethanol demand pushes corn feed prices
LUBBOCK, Texas (AP) -- Motorists might save a few cents a gallon filling their tanks with ethanol, but they could soon be paying more for a burger and a milkshake as a result.
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Ethanol/Energy
Oct 31, 2008Ethanol Fuel Mandates Cause Massive Food and Land Costs
A new report from the Competitive Enterprise Institute reveals massive food and land costs stemming from government rules mandating use of corn ethanol for fuel.
Lexis Nexismore
Jul 25, 2008Our View on energy: Ethanol production soars, but its allure plummets
For the past quarter-century, U.S. energy policy has been generally non-existent. To the extent there has been one, it has been to keep gasoline cheap. But one element stands out as a dramatic exception to this minimalist approach. Through a series of generous tax subsidies and production...
USA Todaymore
Jul 24, 2008Fix Ethanol Mess
All it takes is a trip to the supermarket or a drive by any gas station to see that something has gone terribly wrong with America's fuel policy.
The San Diego Union Tribunemore
May 29, 2008Corn Squeezin' Owners of Feedlots Have a Beef
By Kimberly S. Johnson
Every time Rose Brown goes to Safeway on East 20th Avenue in Denver, she peruses the beef section, but she doesn't always buy.
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May 23, 2008Feed and Fuel Costs Put Squeeze on Poultry Producer
By Russ Whitman
Despite high commodity prices, poultry processors are feeling the squeeze of rapidly advancing feed and fuel costs. To the casual observer, current chicken and turkey prices look to be in good shape based on historical performance. But the initial effects of high corn prices...
Foodmarket Newsmore
May 22, 2008Ethanol's popularity wanes amid rising food prices
By David Mercer, The Associated Press
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Not long ago, the fledgling ethanol industry was the darling of investors, farmers, the federal government and a lot of Americans who liked the idea of turning corn into fuel. Suddenly, it doesn't have nearly as many friends.
USA Todaymore
May 16, 2008Tyson: Feed costs will make chicken more expensive
CHICAGO (Reuters) — Meat company Tyson Foods (TSN) said Thursday that there will be less, but more expensive, chicken on supermarket shelves this summer as higher feed prices are passed onto consumers.
Reutersmore
May 13, 2008Corn Prices Rise, Pitting Chickens Against Ethanol
By Cindy Skrzycki
Taking corn from the mouths of chickens to put into the gas tanks of U.S. cars and trucks is causing feathers to fly in Washington. The $40 billion chicken industry, along with livestock producers, oil interests, grocers and some environmental and anti-hunger groups are...
Balancedfoodandfuel.orgmore
May 5, 2008Turkey Farmers Pin Hopes on New Grain Complex
By Carlos Santos
The massive $10.5 million grain complex near Harrisonburg that formally opened this week will help Shenandoah Valley turkey farmers fight the twin scourges of high feed and fuel prices.
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May 5, 2008Pilgrim's Pride Second Quarter Loss Widens on High Feed Costs
By Linda Lindner
Poultry producer, Pilgrim's Pride today reported a net loss of $111.45 million for the second quarter ending March 29 citing higher feed prices and charges relating to the closing of some facilities.
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May 1, 2008Ethanol vs. food debate growingCorn for fuel leaves less to fill stomachs
By Joshua Boak
Before milk prices started spiraling, before gas prices passed $3.50 and before food riots broke out in several countries, ethanol was the darling of energy alternatives. It gave jobs to rural communities and offered an...
Chicago Tribunemore
Apr 28, 2008Food for Fuel
Using a global staple such as corn for biofuel rather than food seemed to make sense when there was a surplus of cheap grain and worsening U.S. dependence on foreign oil. The federal government was quick to boost the new industry with escalating mandates that require 8 billion gallons of...
Houston Chroniclemore
Apr 24, 2008Hungry Like the Ethanol Wolf
By The Editors
The federal government can do something right now to provide relief to Americans facing higher food prices: Repeal the ethanol mandate. The diversion of one-third of the American corn crop into ethanol production is a direct result of the 2005 law that required gasoline...
Balancedfoodandfuel.orgmore
Apr 19, 2008Corn-Based Ethanol Tied to Higher Food Costs
By Siobhan Hughes
Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman said Friday that the growing emphasis on corn-based ethanol has contributed to higher food prices, and he said the nation should begin "moving away gradually" from ethanol made from food such as corn.
The Wall Street Journalmore
