US poultry groups oppose higher ethanol blends

US poultry and food groups are opposing a drive by the ethanol industry to increase the percentage of ethanol allowed to be added to motor gasoline.

The groups sent a joint letter to Lisa Jackson, the new administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), urging her not to pursue the higher blends.

The letter said the sharp increase in ethanol production since 2000 has contributed to volatile commodity prices and food price inflation.

The groups also said blends higher than E-10 should not be allowed until the EPA completes a lifecycle assessment of the effects of biofuels on climate change. They also call for further study on the effects of intermediate blends on engines.

Livestock groups included the National Chicken Council and the National Turkey Federation.