04/18/08 Securing the Load & Blaming Corn

Securing the Load & Blaming Corn. I'm Greg Martin with today's Northwest Report. With the Department of Labor reporting increases in the Consumer Price Index - another finger is pointing at corn and ethanol. The Grocery Manufacturers Association has distributed a statement that lays the blame for higher food prices on the shoulders of corn growers and ethanol producers. But according to the National Corn Growers Association - they're ignoring several key facts. For one - NCGA President Ron Litterer notes the portion of the food dollar that goes to farmers has sharply decreased over time LITTERER: Only about 20% of the food dollar actually goes back to the farmer and so the amount of the food cost increases are more determined by energy costs, labor costs and other costs excluding what the farmer receives. It's clean up time. You may be getting ready this weekend to load up that truck but Ecology Department litter program coordinator Megan Warfield says people need to know how to safely load trucks and trailers. WARFIELD: There are 12 million pounds of litter on Washington Highways. A large part of that litter is coming from unsecured loads so we want to reduce litter but also improve safety. Many accidents and injuries could be prevented simply by securing vehicle loads more effectively. The fine for driving with an unsecured load is $216. The penalty can go up to $5,000 and include jail-time if the item causes property damage or injury. Now here's today's Washington Grange Report. (GRANGE) That's today's Northwest Report. I'm Greg Martin on the Northwest Ag Information Network.