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Food vs. fuel debate lingers on

Decades after the introduction of biofuels the food versus fuel debate continues.     

Steve Reinhard, who farms in Ohio and serves with the United Soybean Board, says a recent Purdue University study shows the surge in U.S. soybean crush has actually reduced some food costs.

“Because we have more soybeans being crushed for oil, we also have more meal provided as well.”  He says, “We’re able to actually decrease poultry, egg products, pork and even beef and dairy. So actually, lowering those protein sources to the consumer.”

Matt Merritt, a public affairs specialist with Paulsen, tells Brownfield it’s a debate that likely won’t go away, so repetition of the industry’s many benefits is needed.

“Biofuels are making our farms and our food security stronger.”  He says, “We know that biofuels make us more efficient.  We’re seeing what that looks like in the field.  By producing more, we see the technology that’s in there, and all these things that are so exciting about agriculture, these are being supported in part by biofuels with the demand.”

Merritt says the environmental benefits of biofuels are additional points in the industry’s favor.

Brownfield spoke with Reinhard and Merritt in San Diego at the 2025 Clean Fuels Conference.

AUDIO: Matt Merritt – Paulsen

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