McLean, VA —The American Frozen Food Institute (AFFI) today expressed support for bipartisan legislation introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives that will protect food makers and consumers from unnecessary food prices increases by reforming the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), which requires the use of billions of gallons of corn-based ethanol.
Introduced by Reps. Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) and Peter Welch (D-Vt.), the “Renewable Fuel Standard Reform Act” prohibits corn-based ethanol from being used to meet the RFS, and reduces the total size of the RFS by 42 percent over the next nine years. In addition, the bill limits the RFS to using only renewable biomass and other advanced biofuels.
“Frozen food and beverage makers and their suppliers believe food should be used to fuel bodies, not vehicle engines,” said AFFI President and CEO Kraig R. Naasz. “We thank Reps. Goodlatte and Welch for leading efforts to reform the Renewable Fueld Standard.”
“Corn is a vital part of America’s food supply, both as an animal feed and a food ingredient. The staggering amount of corn needed to produce ethanol can cause tremendous price volatility, making meat, dairy, wheat and soybeans all more expensive. Many of the most popular frozen foods and prepared meals are made with these ingredients, exposing food makers and consumers to higher prices,” said Naasz.
Under current law, the RFS mandates the annual production of 13 billion gallons of corn-based ethanol, an amount that consumes approximately 40 percent of America’s corn production.
The American Frozen Food Institute (AFFI) is the national trade association promoting and representing the interests of all segments of the frozen food industry. AFFI works to foster industry development and growth, and advocates before legislative and regulatory entities on the industry’s behalf. More information can be found at www.affi.org.