Tyson warning on food versus fuel debate
US - Tyson, the world's largest protein producer, on Monday weighed into the food-versus-fuel debate with a warning that ethanol-driven corn prices would push up the cost of beef and chicken for US consumers.
14 November 2006
2 minute read
Rising ethanol production has driven corn prices to record levels despite two good harvests, raising fears that the fuel additive would squeeze out the availability of grain for animal feeds.
Dick Bond, Tyson's president and chief executive, called on Washington to recognise the competing claims when drawing up a proposed new farm bill next year, amid support on both sides of Congress for ethanol production to rise as part of a renewable fuels strategy.
"I believe that the American consumer is going to have to pay more for protein," Mr Bond told analysts as the company reported a full-year lossas rising costs combined with sluggish sales.
"The consumer is ultimately going to have to pay for the higher grain costs," said Mr Bond. "The farm bill is the key in 2007. [The food industry] needs to make sure our legislators know what effect this is having on food-versus-fuel."
Source: Msm Money
