The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) has called on the Bush administration to phase out government subsidies supporting ethanol production.
In addition, the NCBA has asked for a repeal of the 54 cent tariff on imported ethanol and encourages a shift to cellulosic ethanol rather than corn-based. The proposed 2007 Farm Bill recommends spending $1.6 billion over the next 10 years on the development of cellulosic ethanol and proposes $2.1 billion in guaranteed loans for cellulosic projects as well as construction of production plants in rural areas.
Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns, noting that ethanol can be produced from cellulosic sources such as grasses, woody plants, wood waste and sugar beets, told cattle producers that the government would encourage alternative methods of making ethanol to protect them from rising corn prices.
Source:
Meatingplace.com