Ethanol Makers Join Food Vs. Fuel Debate

Paul Brees measures popcorn during a news conference in Johnston, Iowa, Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2007. Eleven bags of popcorn were displayed to show what $5 could buy directly from a farmer, as compared a large bag of movie popcorn for the same price, or more. Some in the food industry are blaming the growing ethanol industry and its demand for corn for causing an increase in food prices. (AP Photo/Amy Lorentzen) (Amy Lorentzen - AP)

"The reality is that we have not raised our prices, nor do we set movie theater concession prices," Boever said.

Shaw said consumers should instead look at transportation costs when it comes to rising food prices.

"So with the price of gasoline going up, and the price of diesel fuel going up, that probably has a bigger impact on the price at the grocery store and the movie theater than what the farmer is getting," he said.

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On the Net:

Iowa Renewable Fuels Association: http://www.iowarfa.org/

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WAPAKONETA, Ohio (AP) _ Petting zoos, wagon rides and other forms of agritourism are flourishing in Ohio, but public relations specialists suggest that farmers hoping to attract visitors become savvy in marketing and business regulations.

"It's doing your homework," said Louise Mikesell-Wireman, marketing specialist for the Toledo-based Center for Innovative Food Technology. "And it's knowing how to market your product. A lot of farmers are great at what they do, but they're not marketers."

More than 6,200 Ohio farms sold corn, strawberries and other products and services to the public right from the farm in 2002, up from 5,800 farms in 1997, according to the U.S. Census of Agriculture. They posted more than $37 million in direct sales, up from $30 million.

One of them was Carl Young, who operates Young's Jersey Dairy.

With nearly 300 employees who oversee educational tours, miniature golf, a go-cart track, gift shop and restaurant, the operation attracts nearly 1.3 million visitors each year.