Corn Growers Promote Ethanol in New York

New York State Senator Jim Wright

The National Corn Growers Association recently joined with the New York Corn Growers Association to discuss the benefits of ethanol with key state lawmakers. The growers met with New York Senator Jim Wright to discuss a rural economic impact analysis of in-state ethanol production commissioned by the New York Corn Growers. Senator Wright helped fund the study.

"The rural economic impact study, which would apply not only in New York but in other states where the production of ethanol would benefit economies in rural sectors, indicates that the ethanol industry can sustain approximately 700 jobs through the annual production of 30 million gallons of denatured ethanol plus related co-products," said Kevin Swartley, president of New York Corn Growers, and a corn grower from Romulus, New York. "It is anticipated that these jobs will sustain more than $45 million of economic activity and provide $16 million or more in annual incomes to New Yorkers." Swartley added that a one-time benefit of about $91 million in economic activity would result from plant construction and from preparation of land for crop production.

"Innovative technology is paving the way for new industries and opportunities in New York," Wright said. "In a time when the use of alternative fuels is becoming more feasible, this could be a viable path for New York to explore."

The growers also met with Cornell University Professor David Pimentel, to discuss his work related to ethanol's energy balance. "Dr. Pimentel listened to our concerns about his report, and we are encouraged that he asked us to provide additional data so that he can re-evaluate his position," said John McClelland, National Corn Growers Association.

A key concern by corn growers is that Pimentel's conclusions that corn ethanol production achieves a negative balance were based on outdated and flawed data. Studies completed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Department of Energy and other sources refute Pimentel's claims. Corn growers also met with other Cornell University professors and researchers to discuss the Pimentel report, Cornell ethanol research and the results of the rural economic impact study.

"We were very well received by the Cornell staff, who expressed a keen interest in renewable fuels and the impact the ethanol industry would have on the rural economy in New York and nationwide," said York, Nebraska, farmer Boyd Smith, chairman of the National Corn Growers Ethanol Marketing Committee.