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Michigan Corn says ethanol keeps corn farmers in business

Michigan Corn says EPA is moving the right direction with their latest volume requirements for ethanol in the Renewable Fuels Standards, but they still fall short.

Executive Director Jim Zook tells Brownfield EPA fell short of the statutory volume requirement of 15 billion gallons by just 200 million gallons.  “It will be up to public comment period at which time, it will be very imperative for our producers to weigh into EPA and tell them they need to follow the statute.”

Zook says a recent study by the Corn Marketing Program of Michigan found the Renewable Fuel Standard makes up a little more than 7 percent of the price of corn.  “That means roughly 33 cents per bushel is what the RFS contributes to the price of corn for our Michigan growers.”

He says without ethanol demand, many corn farmers would not be able to breakeven in the current market.

AUDIO: Interview with Jim Zook