FAQ
Does ethanol take away from food sources?
Ethanol made from corn has received much criticism. First, not all ethanol is made from corn, but the ethanol that is is not as bad as some would lead the public to believe. In 2006, only 9% of all corn crops were for human consumption in products like cereal, sweeteners, etc. No corn is grown strictly for the production of ethanol. The majority (over 65%) is grown as a feed for livestock. This is the corn that can be diverted for ethanol production without removing it from the food chain. The corn is harvested and milled by the ethanol manufacturer where the germ and oils are removed to be sold into other industries. The remaining grain is cooked and added with enzymes to remove the starches. These starches are converted to sugars and fermented to make ethanol. The remaining high-fiber and protein product, commonly called distillers grains, is used as a feed for livestock at a significantly reduced price over the straight corn. Last year, only 20% of the crop went into the ethanol production chain meaning there is still a significant amount of corn available without effecting food sources. Reports regarding rising food costs due to ethanol production are speculation and more likely can be attributed to rising transportation costs or other inflationary reactions.
