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NCGA steps up ethanol campaign with D.C. ads

The National Corn Growers Association is stepping up its campaign to stress the importance of ethanol to the United States’ energy security and independence.

Part of the campaign is a new television ad which is airing on local news programs and cable news channels in the Washington, D.C. area.  NCGA president and South Dakota farmer Darrin Ihnen says the theme of the ad is “Ethanol: Now is the time”.

“With all the policy and regulation debate and things happening in Washington, D.C., it just makes sense to run the ads there,” says Ihnen, “to make sure the policymakers and the elites and the staffers all understand the truth about the benefits of ethanol.”

Ihnen says Congress is expected to begin vigorous discussion on a new energy bill once it returns from its Independence Day recess, “and National Corn Growers wants to make sure that we’re in the room and part of the discussion to show the benefits of ethanol—and to show the benefits of agriculture when it comes to energy needs.  We think corn should be an advanced biofuel, for example.”

Ihnen says the recent news that ethanol production has grown much more efficient in recent years—and is considered to be “energy positive”—should lend more credence to the campaign.

AUDIO: Darrin Ihnen (8 min MP3)