Minnesota should lead the nation in developing the next phase of ethanol, according to Minnesota Farmers Union (MFU) President Doug Peterson. Peterson is calling on state lawmakers to fund a pilot project for cellulosic ethanol production.

"Minnesota leads the nation in corn-based ethanol development, and Minnesota should lead the way again on cellulosic ethanol," said Peterson. "Minnesota researchers are developing the technology and the federal government is funding research. Our state lawmakers should fund a pilot project to move cellulosic technology from the lab to farmers' fields, and from boutique-size tests to commercial-size operations."

Cellulosic ethanol can be produced from native prairie plants or other bio-based materials. University of Minnesota researchers recently reported that native prairie plants, when compared to traditional crops, could produce more than twice as much energy per acre. Farmers Union supports farm-based energy development, based on policies developed by Farmers Union members.

"At our state convention last fall, our members supported more development of farm-based and farmer-owned energy from ethanol, wind, biodiesel or other sources," Peterson said.

"When I was a state legislator in the 1990's, I sponsored corn-ethanol legislation with the idea that our corn-ethanol plants must own the technology that will lead to better production. Ethanol from corn should continue to thrive while we add technology to corn-based ethanol facilities so those plants can use switchgrass, corn stover, or other farm products on a commercial scale."

Peterson also urged lawmakers to continue payments to ethanol producers as a way to help support the state's farmers and farm-based energy.

For more information about Minnesota Farmers Union policies on energy or other issues, contact MFU at (651) 639-1223 or go to www.mfu.org