Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Ethanol is good for the environment, too
Editorial commentary
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L. Hayden Eicher
Eicher is president of the Virginia Grain Producers Association in Warrenton.
The Virginia Grain Producers Association is committed to supporting renewable fuels and ethanol inside the commonwealth in any way possible. It is too early to determine whether the proposed ethanol facilities will directly benefit Virginia's corn producers. However, we will continue to support the industry to accomplish the larger goal of reducing America's dependency on foreign oil using domestically produced energy.
Virginia's agricultural producers are proud to play a part in the solution of America's energy needs. The association believes ethanol is a better solution for today's environment, a better solution for today's energy needs and part of America's homeland security measures.
It is important to look at the big picture. What does it mean for an ethanol plant to come to Virginia? Well, several things -- significant improvement to the environment, domestically produced energy and, oh yeah, jobs. Contrary to what some are leading readers to believe, Virginia would only prosper by the ethanol growth in the state.
Let's look at the facts. The $400 million plant proposed in Chesapeake would produce 220 million gallons of ethanol, hire 150 workers to start and bring in potentially millions in revenue to the area. If that isn't enough: Ethanol helps vehicles run cleaner. The more steps taken to produce sustainable and cleaner fuel the better. Ethanol plants, as witnessed with plants throughout the Midwest, are real economic engines for the community.
It would be no different for Virginia, where you would see economic revitalization and job creation for American workers.
The plant would provide another market for domestically grown grains. Yes, some of the corn used will be brought in, but we could very well see a boost in Virginia corn production numbers. If producers see the market is there, more corn could be planted if it is worth the risk.
More than three-fourths of the grain producers association's producer members are implementing nutrient management plans on their farms and are enrolled in conservation practices such as continuous no-till, winter cover crops and/or buffers, among others. These best management practices are geared toward better water quality, reduced soil erosion and more efficient production.
Having an ethanol plant in Virginia would not take away or increase food costs, as some would have you think. Once again, I urge readers to take a look at the facts. Energy, transportation, packaging, labor and marketing costs are more directly related to higher prices seen today than higher corn prices due to ethanol demand.
Virginia grain producers are dedicated to providing to their livestock and poultry customers. That is certain. Ethanol is simply another value-added opportunity for producers in this state.
Ethanol helps us meet our environmental challenges, provides jobs and runs from an industry here, on American soil.
