A survey of 1,200 registered votes showed 59 percent supporting increased use of ethanol in the U.S. fuel supply.

The survey, commissioned by the Renewable Fuels Association, was conducted between June 23 and July 1 by Democratic polling firm Greenberg Quinlan Rosner and Republican polling firm Public Opinions Strategies.

Asked to choose from a list what is most to blame for rising food costs, here is how participants responded:

• 49 percent chose "increased cost of gasoline and fuel"
• 11 percent chose "increased commodities speculation"
• 8 percent chose "increased use of grain for ethanol"
• 8 percent chose "corporate takeover of food production"
• 7 percent chose "increased demand in China and India" and
• 7 percent chose "severe weather."

To view a summary of survey findings click here.

Last month, in a study commissioned by the Grocery Manufacturers Association, author Bill Lapp said the rapid expansion in the use of corn to produce ethanol is currently the most significant factor driving corn and other agricultural commodity prices to record levels. (See Food price surge seen dramatic over next five years on Meatingplace.com, June 16, 2008.)
By Janie Gabbett on 7/16/2008 for Meatingplace.com