Weird frosts, drought and now ethanol are pushing food prices up.
A study by the Center for Agricultural and Rural Development at Iowa State University found corn prices soaring, and overall food prices up $14 billion from last year because of increased ethanol production.
Ethanol is a gasoline “alternative” made from corn. It takes more energy to produce than it saves.
The researchers speculate that retail food prices in the United States could climb $20 billion annually if crude oil prices reach $65 to $70 per barrel — pushing corn toward $4 a bushel.
Last August it averaged $2 a bushel.
Ethanol production has already forced corn prices up so dramatically in Mexico that many people can’t afford tortillas.
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