Michigan corn growers say uncertainty over the federal renewable fuel standard is hurting the state’s agricultural economy.
The standard sets the ethanol mixture in gasoline.
The National Farmers Union released a report this week claiming delays in setting ethanol fuel standards are depressing corn prices.
“Corn used to be a nice crop to grow, but basically at today’s prices it’s a break-even crop,” says Jeff Sandborn. He grows corn in Portland, between Grand Rapids and Lansing. “When farmers don’t make money they don’t spend money.”
Corn growers are fighting a push by oil companies to get out of a requirement that they blend ethanol in gasoline.
Oil companies say they need flexibility when there are distribution problems with ethanol producers.
