AFBF Slams U.S. Energy Policy

WASHINGTON - Feb 19/04 - MFB -- Expressing concern about energy prices and supply, the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) last week told Congress that the current natural gas crisis is a prime example of the failure of America's energy policy.

Testifying before the House Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources on behalf of AFBF, Al Christopherson, president of the Minnesota Farm Bureau and a member of the AFBF board, said American agriculture is more efficient than ever before. But, he said, no one should expect a growing U.S. economy and population not to need more energy security in the future.

"One of the single most important energy feedstocks to agriculture and associated manufacturing industries is natural gas," said Christopherson. He reminded the subcommittee that he testified eight months ago regarding the need for increased development of domestic natural gas supplies and resources. "Since then, the United States has continued to see prolonged natural gas price volatility along with overall elevation in prices," he said.

Christopherson explained that the fertilizer industry is highly dependent on natural gas, which accounts for 90 percent of the total cost of fertilizer production. As a result, from 2000 to 2003, the cost of ammonia fertilizer increased to $350 or more per ton, up from $100 per ton.

Copyright (c) 2004 Michigan Farm Bureau

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