Ethanol From Corn

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses how ethanol extraction from corn is altering the cultivation and distribution pattern of this major crop in the United States in a significant manner. While the proponents of ethanol as an additive to gasoline are enthusiastic about the transformation it has brought about in the rural areas of United States by creating job opportunities and reducing fuel costs, critics are equally vehement in their view of the criminal neglect of hunger facing humanity in less developed parts of the world, as a vital food cereal is being 'burnt' uneconomically to provide fuel for running vehicles. The paper examines both aspects critically by putting forward the scientifically derived opinions of agriculturists and economists from both factions.

Outline:
Ethanol from Corn
The US Scene
Impact of Fuel Prices at the Pump
Impact on Food Prices in the US (And the Rest of the World)
Impact on Farmland Prices and Large Agribusiness Firms in US
Impact on Agricultural Exports and Overall Balance Of Payments
Environmental Costs and Benefits
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"Widespread industrialization throughout the world has generated the need for power to such an extent that it has become absolutely necessary to search alternative fuel sources, as the natural reservoirs of the planet are diminishing at an alarming rate. Crude oil has not only fuelled the machines made by man but war too as it has been one of the major forces affecting world economy and politics. The present spurt in the crude prices has further spurred research for cheaper alternative fuel sources. Atomic and solar energies have been harnessed to a certain extent, but there are practical difficulties in using them as a general source of power. They cannot be used to run the existing infrastructure of equipment and appliances dependent on engines fuelled by liquids, which in turn are integral parts of the pre established and irreplaceable norms of industry and lifestyle. The possibility of preparing fuel from biodegradable material like animal waste and plant materials is the focus of current research in the chemical industry and ubiquitous materials have been shortlisted as likely candidates for ethanol production. "

Sample of Sources Used:

• Baker Allen & Zahniser Steven, 2006, Ethanol Reshapes the Corn Market, Economic Research Service/USDA, Feature, Amber Waves, Volume 4, Issue 2, WWW.ERS.USDA.GOV/AMBERWAVES
• Biello David (Jan. 8, 2008), Grass Makes Better Ethanol than Corn Does, Online Article available at: http://www.sciam.com/article.cfm?id=grass-makes-better-ethanol-than-corn
• Carlson E. Charles, 2007, Corn-to-Ethanol: US Agribusiness Magic Path To A World Food Monopoly, Online Article available at: http://www.globalresearch.ca/index.php?context=va&aid=6933
• Du Xiaodong & Hayes Dermot J., 2008, The Impact of Ethanol Production on U.S. and Regional Gasoline Prices and on the Profitability of the U.S. Oil Refinery Industry, Working Paper 08-WP 467, Available online on the CARD Web site: www.card.iastate.edu.
• Fortenbery T. Randall & Park Hwanil, 2008, Staff Paper No. 523, The Effect of Ethanol Production on the U.S. National Corn Price, University of Wisconsin-Madison Department of Agricultural & Applied Economics

More papers on Ethanol From Corn:

• Analytical Essay # 141799 : "Corn as Fuel"
• Term Paper # 139010 : "Corn Hits $6 a Bushel on Tight Supplies"
• Research Paper # 107757 : "Ethanol: The Fuel or Food Dilemma"

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