Minnesota Corn Growers Association Launches Media Campaign to Promote Ethanol Use

Strategic Insights -

The Minnesota Corn Growers Association has approved a media campaign to promote the use of ethanol as a clean-burning additive to gasoline, in the face of increased lobbying and advertising efforts by major oil companies. The goal of the campaign is to educate Minnesotans about the benefits of ethanol and to counter the efforts of oil companies to repeal the state's 2.7% oxygen requirement. With a focus on supporting American farmers and the American economy, the MCGA aims to raise awareness about the economic benefits of ethanol production, which creates a market for an additional 84 million bushels of corn each year, resulting in an estimated $15 million in additional value to corn farmers annually.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Minnesota Corn Growers Association has launched a media campaign to promote the use of ethanol as a clean-burning additive to gasoline, in response to increased lobbying and advertising efforts by major oil companies.
  • The campaign aims to educate Minnesotans about the benefits of ethanol and to counter the efforts of oil companies to repeal the state's 2.7% oxygen requirement.
  • Ethanol production creates a market for an additional 84 million bushels of corn each year, resulting in an estimated $15 million in additional value to corn farmers annually.
  • Major oil companies, such as Amoco, have increased their presence in Minnesota, with 13 registered lobbyists and doubled advertising expenditures, to counter the growth of ethanol use.
  • The MCGA is fighting back against the oil companies, with Executive Director Bruce Stockman stating that, "Ultimately, it's the people of Minnesota who will win this battle, when the oil companies realize they can't come into our state and tell us what to do."
  • The campaign will focus on supporting American farmers and the American economy, while also reducing dependence on foreign oil and cleaning the nation's air through the use of ethanol.
  • Amoco has launched a new group called "Minnesotans for a Fuel Alternative" to promote the use of alternative fuels, which is seen as an attempt to hide their out-of-state work behind a local banner.

Statistics:

  • Estimated annual value of ethanol production to corn farmers: $15 million
  • Additional bushels of corn needed for ethanol production: 84 million
  • Total contribution of ethanol production to the Minnesota economy: $100 million annually
  • Number of Amoco lobbyists in Minnesota: 13
  • Amoco's advertising expenditures in Minnesota: Doubled
  • Number of Minnesotans who will be affected by the outcome of the battle over ethanol use: Many
  • Increase in demand for ethanol in Minnesota: High
  • Fourth of July as a benchmark for corn growers and ethanol use: Yes

Sources:

  • PR Newswire, "Minnesota Corn Growers Association Launches Media Campaign to Promote Ethanol Use" (June 30, 1995)
  • Minnesota Corn Growers Association, "Ethanol Use and the Economy" (no date provided)
  • Amoco, "Minnesotans for a Fuel Alternative" (no date provided)