Today in Biofuels Opinion: “The RFS has caused feed ingredient prices to spiral out of control, inflicting extreme economic damage on food companies”

J. Clinton Rivers, CEO of Pilgrim’s Pride: “We are extremely disappointed by the EPA’s announcement that it has rejected Texas Governor Rick Perry’s request for a partial waiver of the 2008 Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). The RFS has caused feed ingredient prices to spiral out of control, inflicting extreme economic damage on food companies, and ultimately, on consumers, in the form of increased food costs. Not only are the 2008 mandates destructive, but the scheduled mandate next year will again increase another 16.7% from corn, consuming an additional 4.5% or more of the 2009-2010 corn crop than the anticipated 34% of the crop being consumed this year for ethanol production….we are grateful to Gov. Perry for his leadership on this issue of national importance.”

Rob Skjonsberg, Vice President of Government Affairs for POET: “For months, special interest groups seeking to defend the energy status quo have attempted to lay all of the blame for rising food costs at the feet of the ethanol industry…virtually every independent study has shown that ethanol’s impact on food prices is minimal while its impact on lowering gas prices is substantial. We applaud the EPA for their objective conclusion. A strong renewable energy policy will continue to bolster the U.S. economy and enhance our national security.”

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