Stating that the current anti-ethanol campaign waged by the Grocery Manufacturers Association will only hurt its member companies in the long run, the National Corn Growers Association and other agriculture groups urged the organization to end its high-priced PR campaign against corn ethanol.
“This campaign, perceived by many as anti-farmer, may likely cause your organization and GMA member companies longer term challenges and as such we ask you to reconsider and revise the focus of your fundamental strategy and implementation tactics to influence U.S. biofuels policies,” the May 29 letter states. “Please know that your campaign is sowing seeds of deep anger throughout farming and rural communities toward food companies.”
In addition to NCGA, signatories include the American Soybean Association, the National Association of Wheat Growers and National Sorghum Producers. Copies went to each member of the GMA board of directors.
“Exploding energy costs, food price issues, wholesale & retail margins, food safety and other environmental issues in agriculture are topics that your segment of the industry seemingly has more in common with us in production agriculture than differences,” the letter continued. “These issues need not divide us and create an unnecessary public feud. Instead we should be allies together in solving potential concerns and creating mutual opportunities for success.”