Blunt optimistic about Missouri's ag economy even after tough year

SIKESTON, Mo. -- Despite natural disasters like a spring freeze and May flooding in other parts of the state, Gov. Matt Blunt expressed optimism about the current agricultural season Thursday in Sikeston.

"It appears to be the makings of a pretty good year for agriculture, the bedrock of our economy," Blunt said Thursday to a small crowd at the Sikes­ton Area Chamber of Commerce. Blunt was in Southeast Missouri to speak with agricultural interests as part of a statewide agriculture tour by new Missouri Department of Agriculture director Katie Smith.

Despite his optimism, Blunt admits this year has been challenging, from the battle with nature to the controversy over rising food prices linked by many to increased corn production for ethanol, a technology Blunt's administration has touted as a key part of the state's farm economy into the future.

As governor, Blunt has secured full funding for ethanol and biodiesel production incentives and established a requirement that all gasoline will have a 10 percent ethanol blend by next year.

"The jobs at the renewable fuel plants are often the best jobs in town, or some of the best," Blunt said.

However, Blunt said ethanol isn't a complete fix to the problem of rising fossil fuel costs.

"Nobody's ever suggested that plant-based fuels can entirely reduce our dependence on foreign oil," Blunt said.

Blunt and Smith took questions and comments from members of the friendly invitation-only audience, including former and current state representatives and local farmers.

"Even though you're not an aggie, you're an ag governor," said Peter Meyer, a former state representative from Sikeston.

Missouri Corn Growers Association president Mike Geske also praised Blunt before talking about the criticism that's been leveled at the corn-growing industry over rising food prices.

"We've been taking a beating in the press regarding food prices and the environmental benefits of ethanol," said Geske, who lives in Matthews, Mo. "Also, people think corn ethanol is a mature market, but it's not. I would caution that we don't abandon corn ethanol too soon."

Blunt and Smith said the recent drop in corn prices means farmers won't make as much on their corn crop as they might have expected earlier this year, but the drop signifies a stabilization of the market.

Other audience members questioned Blunt and Smith about improving rice markets and their disappointment that legislation known as the "Farm and Food Preservation Act" stalled during the last legislative session. The bill would have eliminated local government's authority to regulate agricultural operations through nuisance and planning and zoning ordinances.

Opponents of the bill said the lack of regulation could cause health and environmental problems, especially when it comes to large livestock operations owned by huge corporations. But supporters, including Blunt, say the bill would have helped preserve family farms.

Blunt said the establishing one uniform state regulation for agricultural operations is of key importance to the state's farm economy.

"If there's going to be a strong future for Missouri agriculture, we need to address this issue," Blunt said.

msanders@semissourian.com

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