Posted on 01/18/2012 6:38:15 AM PST by thackney
The United States became the world’s leading exporter of ethanol in 2011, selling a record level of the biofuel into overseas markets, according to the Renewable Fuels Association.
The nation has made a stunning about-face in its role in the global ethanol market. Just two years ago, the United States was a net importer of the fuel, which is blended into gasoline by federal mandate.
Through November, the United States exported 1.02 billion gallons of ethanol in 2011, in denatured and undenatured forms. That’s more than double the volume exported in all of 2010, about 400 million gallons, according to the Renewable Fuels Association, the ethanol industry’s trade group.
“Prior to 2010, it was rare for the U.S. to export much ethanol at all. Then in 2011, it just exploded,” said Geoff Cooper, vice president of research for the Renewable Fuels Associations. “The U.S. is far and away the leading exporter of ethanol worldwide.”
Brazil has long held that title, but its ethanol market has suffered from high prices and short supplies in recent years, Cooper said. Brazil produces its ethanol from sugarcane, which has been in short supply because of unfriendly weather. The shortage has made it a much more expensive ethanol feedstock compared to corn.
While Brazil has struggled to meet its own ethanol demand, the U.S. ethanol market has been saturated, making its price more attractive in the global market, Cooper said.
In fact, he noted, Brazil was the top destination for U.S. ethanol in 2011, followed by Canada, Mexico and the Netherlands.
Brazil “has left a void on the world market and the U.S. has filled that void,” Cooper said, adding that the new role likely will continue through 2012. “We do expect continued strength in the export market because it is going to take Brazil some time to get back on its feet and be a leading exporter.”
I wish they would export it all rather than contaminating our gas with it.
You are talking about subsidies for every type and kind of business in the country. Only farmers are singled out for attack because they are very few in number, mostly conservative and are non-union. There isn’t a business with 50 employees that hasn’t received similar subsidies. I live outside a small city. Just two years ago IBM put in some data center here and received about 10 million in tax-breaks and subsidies.
You are talking about subsidies for every type and kind of business in the country. Only farmers are singled out for attack because they are very few in number, mostly conservative and are non-union. There isn’t a business with 50 employees that hasn’t received similar subsidies. I live outside a small city. Just two years ago IBM put in some data center here and received about 10 million in tax-breaks and subsidies.
50% of our oil from the middle east and others. I am sure they would agree. Were you aware that Hitler ran much of war machine on ETOH?
They are singled out because they abuse the system more than anyone else (you just said they are the nation's #1 industry). They also whine and moan constantly about not having enough illegal aliens to do their work.
Almost all of our oil imports come from Canada and Mexico. If the government would allow it, we could probably be self-sufficient.
Were you aware that Hitler ran much of war machine on ETOH?
No wonder he lost.
Let's end them all.
Only farmers are singled out for attack because they are very few in number, mostly conservative and are non-union.
How much do the farm and ethanol subsidies cost each year? Can you name a few that are bigger?
Just two years ago IBM put in some data center here and received about 10 million in tax-breaks and subsidies.
I guess the locality decided the benefit of the temporary reduction in taxes was offset by the benefit of the new added jobs.
What benefit do we get from the expensive ethanol subsidies and mandates? Besides lower gas mileage, more expensive food and the nomination of presidential candidates who have to kiss corn farmer butt in Iowa every four years?
Good idea, let’s kill the industry that actually produces something that gives a measure of trade balance. Farmers are made up of individual small business operations. I noticed you didn’t respond to all other businesses.
I know oil importation is a shell game. Hitler did not lose because of ETOH—don’t be silly.
“How much do the farm and ethanol subsidies cost each year? Can you name a few that are bigger?”
Based on capital investment, farm subsidies pale in comparison to every other industry. See Solandra for one of your favored shining examples.
“I guess the locality decided the benefit of the temporary reduction in taxes was offset by the benefit of the new added jobs.”
Always an excuse to subsidize all other businesses, but not farming that supplies products that every human on the planet requires. I would like to see how long society would last if farm commodities were withheld from the market for just 30 days versus your other industries.
“What benefit do we get from the expensive ethanol subsidies and mandates? Besides lower gas mileage, more expensive food and the nomination of presidential candidates who have to kiss corn farmer butt in Iowa every four years?”
It is called capturing solar energy and converting into a portable energy supply—it is renewable and provides a net energy gain contrary to what oil would have you believe. I suspect you eat too much grain anyway. What business are you in??
For the record, I would favor doing away with all government subsidies including those that personally benefit you. I would not have a problem with a doubling of domestic food prices.
Based on tax dollars spent, what are some bigger ones than farm subsidies?
See Solandra for one of your favored shining examples.
I was against that one too.
Always an excuse to subsidize all other businesses, but not farming that supplies products that every human on the planet requires.
If you want to push for lower taxes on farm profits, instead of shoveling subsidies at farmers, I'd be willing to listen.
I would like to see how long society would last if farm commodities were withheld from the market for just 30 days versus your other industries.
Me too. Let me know when you set that up.
It is called capturing solar energy and converting into a portable energy supply—it is renewable and provides a net energy gain
That is awesome!!!
Sounds like you could make a bundle.
Why do you need my tax dollars to make it happen?
For the record, I would favor doing away with all government subsidies including those that personally benefit you.
Excellent! Git 'er done!
I would not have a problem with a doubling of domestic food prices.
If that's what happens when you stop taking money out of my wallet for your subsidies, so be it.
You'll have honest farm profits and I can't complain about greedy corn farmers in Iowa. Win win!!!
A couple of bottom lines for you. It has been governmnent policy since the 30s to keep food cheap. People pay less as a portion of income than any other place on the planet. I am guessing you have never farmed more than a garden by the tenor of your flippant remarks.
You never said what business you are in? I am a secondary farmer. My primary job is elsewhere.
Great. It's not as cheap when you include all the tax dollars that are given as subsidies, is it?
You never said what business you are in?
You're right. Why don't you give me a list of businesses and explain for each why they would make my claims about farm subsidies somehow incorrect. Thanks!
Why do you fear answering the question about your occupation—are you ashamed? It is a childish game to answer a question with a question.
If the food is not cheap enough for you, then don’t support it by buying it. If you do buy it, you are part of the problem and thereby support the subsidies you protest. Is that clear enough for you?
I told you that I farm—I know it has become popular to attack farmer’s with even the left and the right piling on while avoiding the same criticism of other businesses. You have no idea of what maintaining a stable food supply requires. Why should I supply you with a list of businesses that receive the same tax breaks—they all do. Your selective attack on one is unwarranted—attack them all. I am guessing you were/are a bureaucrat.
There's no fear. No shame.
If you can explain why my occupation makes farm subsidies a good thing instead of a massive waste of tax dollars, then you win!!!
If the food is not cheap enough for you, then don’t support it by buying it.
Yes, food is not cheap enough for me. We should make it cheaper by removing all the subsidies it gets.
If you do buy it, you are part of the problem and thereby support the subsidies
No, I can manage to buy food and still oppose the subsidies.
Is that clear enough for you?
It's clear that I'm pointing and laughing at your "logic".
I told you that I farm—I know it has become popular to attack farmer’s
That's excellent! But I'm not attacking farmers.
Why should I supply you with a list of businesses that receive the same tax breaks—they all do.
Which other businesses receive the same subsidies as farming?
Your selective attack on one is unwarranted
List another one, or ten, I'll continue attacking.
I am guessing you were/are a bureaucrat.
You are/were wrong.
There can be no discussion if I answer your queries and you ignore mine.
Here are a couple of subsidies for you: SS and Medicare
Math is not that diffcult. I have had thru diff eq. P-Chem is difficult.
That's a great idea. I'll answer your relevant queries if you answer mine. Which reminds me, you missed these ones.
How much do the farm and ethanol subsidies cost each year?
Why do you need my tax dollars to make it happen?
Based on tax dollars spent, what are some bigger ones than farm subsidies?
Tell you what, if you can explain why my occupation makes farm subsidies a good thing instead of a massive waste of tax dollars, I'll be glad tell you my occupation.
Here are a couple of subsidies for you: SS and Medicare
Those are subsidies? Maybe our dispute is based on differing definitions of subsidy? What's yours?
Math is not that diffcult.
It is for stupid people...and liberals. But then I repeat myself.
For the record, I would favor doing away with all government subsidies including those that personally benefit you.
At least we agree on this.
ANS: I don’t know what the cost is. I don’t get receive one.
2. I don’t need your tax dollars or your business. Do you have a shred of what it takes to farm?
3. I told you about the little IBM plant that set up here for a 10 million dollar subsidy and a building that is to house a few hundred employees leased for $1/year for the next 10 years. SS and Medicare are far bigger subsidies than farming. Were you aware that we are forced to pay for SS and Medicare?
Then why did you claim "Based on capital investment, farm subsidies pale in comparison to every other industry"?
Do you have a shred of what it takes to farm?
I hear it's very hard work.
I told you about the little IBM plant that set up here for a 10 million dollar subsidy and a building that is to house a few hundred employees leased for $1/year for the next 10 years.
Did they get a break on property taxes or are they leasing a state (local?) government owned facility?
I have less of an issue with reducing corporate tax rates for vital industry than I do with shoveling tax dollars at industry.
SS and Medicare are far bigger subsidies than farming.
If by subsidy you mean poor performing money eating programs, I'll agree, SS and Medicare are worse than the tens of billions we waste on farm subsidies.
Were you aware that we are forced to pay for SS and Medicare?
I was aware that my tax dollars are wasted on those programs as well as on subsidies.
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