LETTER: Rising food prices affect all Americans

Melissa Sullivan — Tue, 13 May 2008 13:42:40 -0500

Doug Peterson
President, Minnesota Farmers Union, Madison

In a world of finger pointing, farmers have had to shoulder the blame for the increased costs of food, when in reality, the facts point to other influences that contribute to the rising costs. I would like to share some statistics with you:
• The biofuels industry is reducing gas prices by 15 percent per gallon today. So, if the cost of gas is currently $3.39 per gallon, it would be up to $3.89 today without the use of biofuels;

• The average food item travels more than 1,500 miles before reaching the final consumer;

Hutchinson Leader - LETTER: Rising food prices affect all Americans - Comments

LETTER: Rising food prices affect all Americans