Originally Posted by Montauk17 (Post 364654)

http://ethanolproducer.com/articles/...ng-the-rvp-nut :pissed: Anyone else notice all these new BS "acts" are nothing more than the feds screwing the people? This has got to stop!
http://content.usatoday.com/communit...ion-pump-epa/1

Originally Posted by 2ndamendment (Post 364928)

It can be greatly limited or stopped by electing a new president next year. A president who agrees that this stuff is getting out of hand.

Originally Posted by mcjaredsandwich (Post 364930)

I agree with you.

But in my opinion, farmers who rely on Govt Subsidies for ethanol production (much of the midwest) will not support that candidate. Those farmers are loving the fact they can sell their crop for ethanol production, at a much higher price than for food consumption.

Originally Posted by 2ndamendment (Post 364932)

There is the base for the problem. The government has over the years introduced the American farmer to subsidies(government Aid---tax payer money). Similar to welfare for the most part.
The corn that is being used for ethanol instead of food, is contributing to the rise in food prices for the American consumer.

Originally Posted by 2ndamendment (Post 364932)

There is the base for the problem. The government has over the years introduced the American farmer to subsidies(government Aid---tax payer money). Similar to welfare for the most part.
The corn that is being used for ethanol instead of food, is contributing to the rise in food prices for the American consumer.

Originally Posted by weedeater (Post 364938)

Just like welfare, foodstamps and Obama mama money is helping out in our unemployment numbers, the more free crap you hand out the more people and animals stand in line for a handout instead of a line looking for a job.......:pissed:

Originally Posted by mcjaredsandwich (Post 364942)

Are you saying farmers don't work? And that the govt assistance they do have, they sit on their ***? They're some of the hardest working citizens in the U.S. sometimes 16 hour days for minimal profits.

Originally Posted by mcjaredsandwich (Post 364937)

A little bit, but not much. Subsidies keep the farmer in business. Without them, we would be paying much more in food cost. We only pay about 10% of our budget on food. Many countries that do not have govt subsidies for farmers pay over 30%, many close to 50%.

Why government is involved in agriculture?
1. Ensure adequate food supply
2. Protect small scale farming
3. Maintain economic viability of rural businesses and communities
4. Minimize dependence on imports
5. Expand agriculture exports
6. Respond to food problems

These days a farmer does not have to grow anything to get federal crop subsidies. The government will send a check based on the amount of product that was grown in the past, even if the farmer does not feel like growing it anymore.


The govt buys the crop at a minimum price, assuring the farmer gets paid. If the crop sells for more than what the govt bought it for, the farmer pays back the govt and keeps the profit. If it sell for the same price, or lower than what the govt bought it for, the farmer hands over his entire crop to the govt.

Government involvement increases the price at the grocery, while going through billions of tax payer money.
In addition, farmers have more accumulated wealth than most urban people in the form of land value.
For most commodities (such as fruits and vegetables, hay, meat products, ornamentals) there is little government income support. Not only that, but the commodities that get no government help are just as profitable as those that do.


The problem is that we export so much food. Europe and Asia love our grain. But, they also pay for it.

Sure, ethanol is from corn. But its also from sugarcane, and any other crop that can produce alcohol (rice, wheat, etc).

Originally Posted by mcjaredsandwich (Post 364937)

Sure, ethanol is from corn. But its also from sugarcane, and any other crop that can produce alcohol (rice, wheat, etc).

Originally Posted by PaulMyers (Post 364987)

Corn is the only grain/crop used to make ethanol for the US.



EVO

Originally Posted by 2ndamendment (Post 364984)

What is the rationale for government involvement? Instead what would be the best way government could provide support other than income support?

Here is a quote by Thomas Jefferson;

Originally Posted by mcjaredsandwich (Post 365000)

Looks like Professors in the agriculture department Lied!

Originally Posted by PaulMyers (Post 364987)

Corn is the only grain/crop used to make ethanol for the US.



EVO

Originally Posted by Montauk17 (Post 364735)

Seriously considering selling my boats and fishing with a hobie from now on. This is going to ruin the marine industry.

Originally Posted by pmckee318 (Post 365029)

I can run E 85 in my truck bout dollar less / gal when gas was 3.60 - 3.80/gal. I filled up made my way down to the lake. Got 1/2 the gas mileage, had to fill back up just to get back home. The stuff is CRA_.

Originally Posted by mcjaredsandwich (Post 365002)

~61% of the cost of food products comes from processing outside of the farm.

So if a farmer has land and needs money, he should just sell his land? Just because he has capital in his land, does not mean he has money in his pocket.

Originally Posted by 2ndamendment (Post 365125)

Answer --- No

Back to the original question. Why is government still involved so deeply and why are we being forced to use ethanol?

Will be interesting for the next 11 months, to see just what environmental regs are put out before the current administration is out. Why just today it was disclosed energy producers will be restricted even further. In the end a lot of people will lose there jobs because coal plants can not produce and oil can not flow with this administration.