ethanol

Start here and look for more info regarding the effect of ethanol production on the world's food supply issues. One newspaper article is opinions, as is much of the information about this issue.http://www.popsci.com/scitech/article/2007-06/america-headed-food-shortage

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/01/05/business/05ethanol.html?n=Top/Reference/Times%20Topics/Subjects/E/Environment

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/07/opinion/07krugman.html

**__Ethanol Issue__** **By:** **Lucas McHale, Caroline Muraca, Bear Maloney, Steve Keating, and Nick Lawrence** A new study suggests that ethanol production could drive up corn prices, leaving U.S. grains and meat in short supply. Corn is a mainstay of American agriculture- it´s an important ingredient in cereals and baked goods, and corn syrup is used to make processed foods like candy, chips and soft drinks. Planting more corn is one solution, but that means planting less of other crops that are also widely used in foods, such as soybeans and wheat. Tilling fallow land could create more growing space for corn, but might lead to soil erosion and impacts on wildlife habitats. (Dawn Stover – popsci.com) A more promising solution is to make ethanol from cellulose instead of starches and sugars-using plants such as switchgrass and organic waste instead of corn and sugarcane. This would also reduce greenhouse gas emissions much more effectively than making ethanol from corn. For now, whether corn is used to make food or fuel depends on economic factors such as the fluctuating price of oil. When oil prices are high, demand for ethanol goes up. That helps keep your costs down at the pump, but you may pay more for steak and corn chips. (Dawn Stover – popsci.com) __ Opinions __ Caroline – I don’t care Bear – Gay Alan Pace – My parents pay so I don’t care till it matters Steve – I love ethanol ;) Nick -

How about farmer's opinion or position? Is it affecting large corporate farms the same way it affects small family farms?