Much debate and media space has been dedicated to ethanol and food prices here in Missouri. Many consumers have become confused on what is right and what is wrong within the debate. 
However, recent attempts to eliminate the 10 percent ethanol standard in Missouri will have limited impact on the price of corn and could have long-term unintended consequences. Corn prices are determined by the global market, not a fuel standard for the state of Missouri.
As a consumer and a mother, I understand the burdens of high gasoline prices and rising food costs. However, ethanol adds renewable and domestically produced volume to our gasoline supply, while having a minimal impact on food prices and availability. In fact, the cost of energy to transport, process and package our foods affects food prices two to three times more than the price of corn.
Today, food inputs account for only 19 cents of every dollar of processed food, less than half of what it was 30 years ago. The remaining 81 cents is wrapped up in processing, packaging, transportation, marketing and other costs. At today’s prices, there is only about 8 cents worth of corn in an 18-ounce box of corn flakes. I applaud alternative fuels for creating more fuel volume cutting transportation costs for our food.
In 2006, 37 percent of our state’s corn production was exported out of Missouri. Corn is Missouri’s second largest crop in production, producing nearly 300 million bushels annually. Last year, Missouri farmers produced over 3.2 million acres of corn with a value of more than $1.8 billion to our state’s economy.
We cannot forget the substantial impact that homegrown fuel is having on our rural communities by creating jobs for Missourians and keeping American dollars here at home.  Ethanol provides us with a cleaner burning, renewable fuel produced in our state and increases our agriculture industry’s investments and opportunities.
Supporting our economy is something that no one should question. By supporting ethanol, you are supporting agriculture and our future.
Katie Smith is the director of the Missouri Department of Agriculture located in Jefferson City, Mo. To learn more about the state’s Department of Agriculture, visit www.mda.mo.gov.