Corn growers disagree with Johanns' position on climate change

Keith Dittrich, chairman of the board of the American Corn Growers Association (ACGA) recently attended a senatorial candidate debate sponsored by the Nebraska Farm Bureau in Lincoln, Neb. Responding to comments made by former U.S. Agriculture Secretary Johanns regarding climate change, in which he suggested that the verdict was out on how much effect human kind is having on climate change, Dittrich stated that Johanns position is out of touch with nearly all of the scientific community and even his own past administration.

"While Secretary Johanns may believe that climate change is not really caused by fossil fuel burning, he is doing a great disservice to farmers and rural America by suggesting that we need not develop renewable energy which is all about preventing climate change through reduced fossil fuel burning and preparing for a future without oil," said Dittrich. "This future puts Nebraska at the nation's geographic center of where this renewable energy will be produced and where a rural renaissance will take place as those who live here will prosper from renewable energy systems, no different than those who grew up during the boom years in the oilfields of Texas."

According to the 2008 Nebraska Rural Poll, over four out of five residents strongly believe in renewable energy production from various sources. Carbon caps will also increase the value of carbon trading credits that are already becoming a significant income stream to agricultural states that have the ability to sequester carbon through no-till farming practices and other means.

Dittrich also expressed alarm for future generations, "...who may live or die by what decisions our policymakers make now to prevent further climate disruptions that are now very apparent in Nebraska, as in the rest of the world."

Dittrich concluded by saying that ACGA will not be endorsing either of the senatorial candidates, and will, at times, attempt to set the record straight to ensure that the public is not misled by political ambitions.