Ag Secretary defends ethanol production

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) -- U.S. Agriculture Secretary Ed Schafer says it's wrong to blame ethanol mandates for the high cost of fuel and food.

During a speech Monday to a group of business writers and editors, Schafer said ethanol blend gasoline actually saves between 20 cents and 35 cents a gallon. But Schafer acknowledged that the country must develop a comprehensive energy policy that includes all types of energy.

He says Congress is currently fighting over different types of alternative energy and that it will take strong leadership to unify Congress and the country over a comprehensive energy policy.

Schafer spoke at the first day of the two-day meeting of the Society of American Business Editors and Writers.