Renewable fuels are region’s strength

"Green Energy"

08/06/2009

By Fritz Busch
New Ulm Journal
August 5, 2009


GILFILLAN -Renewable fuels, honed by new technology, are the strength of Southern Minnesota agriculture, according to the founder and president of an economics consulting and research firm.

Speaking at a Farmfest 2009 Feature Forum Wednesday, Tom Scott talked about the agriculture market.

"It's not a static environment. You can't rest of your laurels," he added. "There will be tremendous market change. The rest of the agriculture industry will fall in behind it."

New technology will drive down the cost curve and make producers more cost competitive," he said.

"Organic and sustainable agriculture will be consumer-driven...The future of agriculture is as exciting as it's ever been," said Scott.

Minnesota Farm Bureau President Kevin Paap said all agriculture must work together to weather the market crisis.

"We need to connect better with rural and urban consumers about what kind of food they want," said Paap.

Minnesota Farmers Union President Doug Peterson said a first-generation renewable fuel is needed to get to a second generation and develop greater efficiencies.

Peterson urged producers to fight to keep big corporations from owning seed and livestock genetics.

Minnesota Rural Policy Executive Director Brad Finstad said collaborative projects like the Hormel Institute's research with the University of Minnesota and Mayo Clinic on finding pharmaceutical uses for soybeans are things to look forward to.

Minnesota Future Farmers of America President Kirby Schmidt of Marshall asked about global commodity markets.

"There are a lot of hungry people in the world. Most of them don't live in the United States," said Finstad.

Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner Gene Hugoson said he recently visited Vietnam and said the country is becoming more market oriented.

"We'll compete with the European Union, Canada and Brazil, but if Africa ever stops having civil wars, there's another opportunity," Hugoson added.

Paap said American food producers need more international markets, since we grow more than the country needs.

Finstad brought attention to a recent edition of Rural Minnesota Journal, which is published by the Center for Rural Policy an Development.

The publication identifies China as the fastest-growing market in the 21st century. In 2004, its population was 1.3 billion with a $1.65 trillion gross domestic product.

The Minnesota-China Partnership creates new economic opportunities for both countries with annual trade missions, international business development programs, strengthening existing relationships with Chinese government and business leaders and promoting greater understanding of U.S.-Chinese relations.

Taiwan was described as an ideal market for small and medium-sized firms with a very friendly climate for international visitors and firms well-versed in the import process.

Taiwan partnerships were described as great opportunities to branch into Mainland China.

Cuba and Vietnam have emerging biofuels export opportunities, according to the book. Vietnam has the second-fastest growing economy in Asia, the publication stated.


Ed. NoteFarmfest showed some unusual shapes suitable for urban use and these may be seen by clicking HERE.