Wednesday May 4 Ag News

May Proclaimed as Renewable Fuels Month in Nebraska

Ethanol and soy biodiesel have become major markets for Nebraska corn and soybeans—and are providing significant economic, environmental and consumer benefits. In recognition of the importance of renewable biofuels to the state, Governor Pete Ricketts has proclaimed May as Renewable Fuels Month in Nebraska.

Nebraska is the nation’s second largest ethanol producer, home to 25 ethanol plants with the capacity of more than two billion gallons of production. These plants, which employ more than 1,300 people, process more than 700 million bushels of corn a year into clean-burning ethanol as well as distillers grains, a high protein feed ingredient for livestock. Some Nebraska ethanol plants also produce carbon dioxide for bottling and food processing as well as corn oil for human food consumption.

Biodiesel production, which uses soybeans as a primary feedstock, is on the rise in Nebraska. A biodiesel plant in Beatrice is expected to begin commercial operation in 2016 with the capacity to produce 50 million gallons, requiring more than 33 million bushels of soybeans.

“Renewable biofuels have absolutely transformed the economic landscape in Nebraska,” said Ron Pavelka, a farmer from Glenvil and chairman of the Nebraska Soybean Board. “The additional demand for Nebraska commodities created by renewable fuels production has created a new market for farmers, generated significant investment and tax revenue in rural communities, and created good paying jobs in areas of the state that really need them.”

“The growth of renewable biofuels has helped reduce our nation’s dependence on imported petroleum, reduced prices at the pump and provided greater choice for consumers,” said David Merrell, a farmer from St. Edward and chairman of the Nebraska Corn Board. “But perhaps the most important benefit of these fuels is their dramatically positive impact on the environment and on human health.”

For example, biodiesel reduces hydrocarbon emissions by 67 percent and reduces lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by 86 percent compared to its petroleum based counterpart. The 2.1 billion gallons of biodiesel used in 2015 reduced the amount of carbon in the atmosphere by 18.2 million metric tons, the equivalent of removing 3.8 million cars from the road or planting 466 million trees.

Ethanol is a non-toxic, clean-burning fuel that dramatically reduces the level of toxics added to gasoline to increase octane, including proven and suspected carcinogens such as benzene, toluene and xylene. “Since these toxics do not completely combust in the engine, they enter the atmosphere through exhaust emissions and are directly connected to cancer, heart disease and asthma in humans,” Merrell added. “The more ethanol we add to gasoline, the lower the levels of these harmful toxics in the air we breathe.”

According to the American Lung Association of the Upper Midwest, some 70 percent of harmful air pollution is attributable to mobile sources such as passenger vehicles, trucks, buses and construction equipment. “When consumers choose renewable biofuels at the pump, they are not only saving money and supporting a homegrown fuel, they are also making the choice for a better environment and cleaner, healthier air for their families,” Pavelka said.



HARVESTING SMALL GRAIN CEREALS FOR HAY OR SILAGE
Bruce Anderson, NE Extension Forage Specialist

               The rye, triticale, and other small grains you planted last fall are starting to grow tall.  Harvest as hay or silage should occur soon.

               Small grain cereals can be made into quite useful silages or hay.  Now, I’m not going to try and mislead you into thinking they are just as good as corn silage or alfalfa hay.  However, they can provide much useful feed when harvested and fed correctly.

               Tonnage and forage quality are affected most by stage of plant maturity at harvest.  Plants that contain ten to twelve percent crude protein when in the boot stage may only have seven or eight percent protein when they reach soft dough.

               In order to time harvest for the best use in your own operation, first determine what livestock will be fed this forage.  Calves, stockers, and replacement heifers need a fairly high quality forage to gain weight as rapidly as desired, so hay and silage needs to be harvested while plants are in the boot or early heading stage.  Dry cows, though, won’t need such high quality so harvest can be delayed until dough stage to achieve higher yields and still have acceptable protein levels.

               Think twice, though, about making hay from rye, triticale, or wheat that has formed seed heads.  These seed heads produce rough awns that can irritate and injure the eyes and mouth parts of livestock.  To avoid problems from awns, either cut hay before seed heads emerge or make silage from the more mature plants to soften and break these awns.

               I also suggest testing the hay or silage for nitrates as well as for protein and energy before beginning to feed it.  This will help you feed more safely and efficiently.

               Last fall’s cereal planting is about ready to harvest.  Time it right to get the best feed for your livestock.



AgriBank Releases Insights Report on Livestock and Dairy Sectors
Livestock and dairy margins continue to adjust downward from their record levels set in late 2014, as production increases and export demand declines due to the increasing value of the U.S. dollar, according to a new report issued by AgriBank, the St. Paul-based Farm Credit Bank. After declining $26.5 billion in 2015, the USDA projects that total U.S. livestock and product receipts will decline another $9.6 billion (-2.5 percent) in 2016.

The report provides an overview of the livestock and dairy sectors across the 15-state AgriBank District and nationally. 
 
Highlights
-    TURKEYS ARE THE EXCEPTION. Receipts are projected to be down in 2016 for all of the major categories with the exception of turkeys, where the rebuilding of flock numbers and prices remaining near historic highs are expected to grow cash receipts by $300 million (+5.3 percent).
-    EGGS: THE BIGGEST LOSER. The largest percentage loser is projected to be eggs (-16.1 percent), as the industry comes off record growth in 2015 due to the shortage caused by bird flu and record high prices.
-    MANY FACTORS AT PLAY IN 2016. Major themes affecting the livestock and dairy sector in 2016 include domestic production cycles and price response, the U.S. dollar, disease potential and consumer behavior.

 “After a strong finish to 2014 with record profit margins for many livestock and dairy producers across the board, 2015 was, for the most part, a transition year to the reality of lower margins,” said Jeff Swanhorst, AgriBank executive vice president of credit and chief credit officer. “In 2016, the dominant themes will be the impact of several major categories entering or continuing their expansion phases of the production cycle, the increasing dollar’s negative impact on exports, the potential for additional disease events and their disruption of supplies and exports, and domestic consumer behavior with respect to saving and consumption. Additionally, the continuing theme of the reorientation of the global developing economies to a slower future growth path will also have an influence on the U.S. livestock and dairy sectors.”



ISU Extension and Outreach to Host RUSLE2 Soil Loss Workshop

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, in collaboration with the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service and Iowa Department of Natural Resources, has scheduled a workshop to train livestock producers and service providers on how to use the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation 2 (RUSLE2) and the Iowa Phosphorus Index in nutrient management and manure management plans. RUSLE2 software calculates soil loss for a given field which is needed for figuring out the Iowa Phosphorus Index. 

The workshop will be held June 2 at the ISU Extension and Outreach - Polk County Office in Altoona. The workshop runs from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The introductory level workshop provides hands-on software orientation. The orientation includes an introduction to the operating parameters, selection of input values and developing and saving management operations for RUSLE2. Additionally, actual field examples will be used in the workshop to determine risk calculations of the Iowa Phosphorus Index and how to incorporate these numbers into manure and nutrient management planning requirements. Soil sampling requirements, common errors and the Iowa DNR’s review process will also be discussed.

“Nutrient and manure management plans require updated RULSE2 and P-Index calculations every four years, and this workshop will be a great refresher for those producers who develop their own plans or for consultants who are new to this planning process,” said Kapil Arora, ISU Extension and Outreach agricultural and biosystems engineering specialist.

Cost of the workshop is $200 if registered by May 27, and $225 after that date. The workshop fee includes handout materials, RUSLE2 software, refreshments and lunch. Because software will be provided, participants are required to bring an MS Windows compatible laptop equipped with a USB drive and Microsoft Excel software, as well as the administrator password to the computer in order to install software. The workshop is limited to 30 participants and walk-in attendees are not allowed. Certified Crop Advisor Credits (5SW, 1 NM) are available for this workshop.

Online registration, program information and directions to the workshop are available online at www.extension.iastate.edu/registration/events/conferences/rusle2/.  



Cover Crop Field Day to Look at Cereal Rye Cultivars and Planting Dates
With a steady growth in number of growers incorporating cover crops into their production systems, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach will host a field day to showcase results from experiments using cereal rye cultivars.

The event will be held at the ISU Horticulture Research Station on May 24. The station is located at 55519 170th Street, Ames.

ISU Extension and Outreach researchers planted five cereal rye cultivars (Aroostook, Elbon, Prima, Wheeler and Wrens Abruzzi) on two different dates (September and October) during 2015. The field day will share the results of the plantings and investigate crop establishment, percent cover and biomass generation.

Sustainable and organic growers use very few or no chemicals to terminate their cover crops. One option is to use a roller crimper to terminate cover crops. For many cover crops, especially rye, roller crimping is a sought-after termination method. Demonstrations will include operation of a Rodale Institute designed roller crimper. Other equipment from the research station will also be available to view.

The workshop is free for all to attend and is supported by the Iowa Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association, Practical Farmers of Iowa, the Leopold Center and the North Central Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education program. Light snacks and drinks will be provided.

If planning to attend please contact Ajay Nair at 515-294-7080 or nairajay@iastate.edu.



 Iowa's Best Burger is at The Chuckwagon in Adair

The 2016 Iowa’s Best Burger has been found in Adair at The Chuckwagon Restaurant. The Chuckwagon embraces the rich history of Adair through its restaurant and menu offerings.

The Iowa Cattlemen’s Association (ICA) and the Iowa Beef Industry Council (IBIC) announced the winner on Monday, May 2, during a live broadcast in Adair. The two organizations have teamed up to sponsor Iowa’s Best Burger contest seven times. This year, Iowans submitted more than 6,000 votes nominating 311 restaurants in February and March. Those votes were used to select the Top Ten restaurants. The Top Ten were then independently visited and judged based on the hamburger’s taste, appearance, and proper serving temperature (160 degrees).

“The judges found that the burgers at the Chuckwagon were juicy and full of flavor,” says Brooke German, Director of Marketing for IBIC. “They use a toasted bun on every burger, and their homemade house seasoning helped to enhance the flavor of the burgers.”

The burgers at the Chuckwagon are 6 ounce, hand-pattied Certified Angus Beef® and grilled on a flat-top grill using their own house seasoning. They are made-to-order with toasted bread or grilled buns. Popular burgers include the bacon cheeseburger and the Chuckwagon, a burger served on a grilled bun with sautéed onions, mushrooms, bacon, tomato and Thousand Island dressing. Served alongside homemade fries and a classic milkshake, the meal is hard to beat.

The restaurant’s owner, Kim Reha, is a lifelong resident of Adair. She purchased the restaurant at the age of 22. Although she considered a career as a surgical technician, she knew that her passion was in the restaurant business. At that time, she already had eight years of experience working in restaurants, and the hands on learning has served her well.

The restaurant, which Reha has owned for eight years, is a former Happy Chef. Over time, she has made improvements, including an interior renovation in 2012. In 2014, Reha changed the name and the menu, launching her now-famous “Endless Homemade French Fries” and hand-pattied burgers.

“The name ties into Adair’s annual celebration, Chuckwagon Days, and seemed to fit really well with the menu,” explained Reha.

Reha lets her food shine. The Jesse James Burger, a double 1/3 pound bacon cheeseburger with all the fixings, topped with BBQ sauce and mayo speaks for itself.

“We are excited to crown the Chuckwagon Restaurant as our 2016 Best Burger winner,” state Katie Olthoff, Director of Communications for ICA. “They do an outstanding job of showcasing the great beef product with each of their great-tasting burgers on behalf of Iowa’s beef farmers.”

The restaurant, which is clearly visible from Interstate-80 on exit 76, is open from 8 am to 10 pm during the summer (8 am to 9 pm year-round). Burgers start around $9, but the “Burger of the Week” is $2 off. Breakfast is served all day. There is a seating capacity of 112 and a patio area was added in 2015, and they are happy to take reservations, too.

Other restaurants that made the Top Ten with the Chuckwagon Restaurant are (alphabetically): Ankeny Diner, Ankeny; BW’s Burgers, West Des Moines; Down Right Delicious, Clarinda; Elm’s Club, Creston; First Street Grille, Keosauqua; PerXactly Bar & Grill, Maquoketa; Rides Bar & Grill, Fort Dodge; The Ritz, Arnolds Park; and Vaughn’s Café & Bakery, Clarinda.

Previous winners in the contest are: 2015 – The Cider House, Fairfield; 2014 – Brick City Grill, Ames; 2013 - 61 Chop House Grille, Mediapolis; 2012 - Coon Bowl III, Coon Rapids; 2011 - Rusty Duck, Dexter; and 2010 - Sac County Cattle Company, Sac City.



Almost all U.S. gasoline is blended with 10% ethanol
U.S. Energy Information Administration

Blends of petroleum-based gasoline with 10% ethanol, commonly referred to as E10, account for more than 95% of the fuel consumed in motor vehicles with gasoline engines. Ethanol-blended fuels are one pathway to compliance with elements of the federal renewable fuel standard (RFS). The total volume of ethanol blended into motor fuels used in the United States has continued to increase since 2010, albeit at a declining rate of growth. Meanwhile, the use of ethanol-free gasoline (E0) by fuel consumers has declined.

EIA tracks fuel components through data it collects from refiners, importers, large blending terminals, and ethanol producers. U.S. refiners produce large volumes of blendstocks for oxygenate blending (BOB) that are referred to as RBOB or CBOB depending on whether they are formulated to be blended with ethanol to make reformulated or conventional gasoline, respectively. Another distinct gasoline blendstock known as CARBOB is used to produce California reformulated gasoline; EIA reports aggregate CARBOB with all other RBOBs.

With nearly all U.S. gasoline now being sold as E10, the only way to increase ethanol use in the motor vehicle fleet is to adopt fuel blends containing a higher volume of ethanol, such as E15 and E85. However, not all gasoline-powered vehicles can use these fuels. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a partial waiver allowing the use of E15 in model year 2001 and newer vehicles. Fuels marketed as E85, which contain between 51% and 83% ethanol by volume, can only be used in flex fuel vehicles. Recent EIA congressional testimony on the RFS program estimates that flex fuel vehicles make up about 7% (16.3 million) of the current on-road fleet of light-duty vehicles in the United States.

Notwithstanding the partial waiver and the significant number of flex-fuel vehicles now in use, sales of E15 and E85 remain very limited because of a variety of economic, environmental, and distribution system challenges. EIA data cannot directly measure E15 and E85 use, in part because these fuels can be blended at the point of sale. However, in the final rule for the RFS program for calendar years 2014, 2015, and 2016 that was issued in November 2015, EPA estimated use of 320 million gallons of E15 and 200 million gallons of E85 in 2016. Combined, these values would represent only 0.4% of the total 142 billion gallons of fuel use by vehicles and other equipment with gasoline-burning engines expected during 2016, according to EIA's latest Short-Term Energy Outlook.

There are also volumes of gasoline containing no ethanol, often referred to as E0, in the market. EIA surveys show U.S. E0 refinery and blender production of 894,000 barrels per day (b/d) and 71,000 b/d of E0 imports in 2015. U.S. Census Bureau data show exports of 476,000 b/d of finished motor gasoline in 2015. Census data do not specify the ethanol content of exported gasoline, but EIA assumes the finished gasoline exports are E0. EIA data also indicate that an average of 6,000 b/d of E0 were withdrawn from stocks held at refineries and terminals or were in pipelines during 2015.

Domestic disposition of E0, calculated as domestic production plus inventory withdrawals plus net trade (imports minus exports), was 494,000 b/d (7.6 billion gallons) in 2015. However, actual use of E0 in vehicles, boats, and other equipment with gasoline-burning engines was likely below that level because some volumes of E0 that enter the domestic market may have been blended with ethanol at smaller terminals that are out of scope for EIA reporting or blended at the point of retail sale.

EIA data on ethanol supply and disposition can be used in conjunction with the E0 domestic disposition data to develop an estimate of E0 use in vehicles and other equipment with gasoline-burning engines. EIA develops fuel ethanol balances that account for production, imports, exports, stock change, and blending in the United States. As noted above, nearly all fuel ethanol is blended with a BOB to produce E10. But not all ethanol use is captured in EIA's blending data. In 2015, ethanol supply within the United States exceeded identified uses by 17,000 b/d (254 million gallons).

EIA believes that the excess of ethanol supply over identified disposition most likely reflects a combination of errors in the data and ethanol blended into gasoline at facilities that are not covered by EIA's surveys. Given that EIA survey data do not show significant BOB volumes that are not already being blended with ethanol, the bulk of this blending activity likely involves blending of ethanol with E10 to produce fuels with higher ethanol content or blending with E0. If all of the ethanol supply in excess of identified disposition were being blended with E0 to produce E10, this activity would absorb 152,000 b/d of E0. Subtracting this amount of E0 from the calculated value for domestic disposition of 494,000 b/d derived from production, inventory, and trade data would imply a remaining supply of 343,000 b/d (5.3 billion gallons) of unblended E0 to final consumers in the United States in 2015.



EIA: Ethanol Stocks Build

Ethanol supply in the United States increased and production from domestic plants fell to a one-year low during the week-ended April 29, the Energy Information Administration reported Wednesday, May 4.

After two straight weeks with drawdowns, domestic ethanol inventory increased nearly 600,000 barrels (bbl) to 22.2 million bbl during the week reviewed, 1.4 million bbl, or 6.7%, more supply than year prior.

U.S. ethanol production plants averaged 923,000 barrels per day (bpd) of output during the week reviewed, a one-year low, and down 4,000 bpd from week prior. Domestic output averaged 932,000 bpd during the four weeks ended April 29, up 17,000 bpd, or 1.9%, from the comparable year-ago period.

Refiner and blender net inputs of ethanol eased 8,000 bpd from a seven-month high to 910,000 bpd. During the four weeks ended April 29, ethanol input averaged 907,000 bpd, 30,000 bpd, or 3.4%, above the same period in 2015.

EIA also reported an 187,000 bpd increase in gasoline supplied to the primary market to a 9.502 million bpd three-week high. Cumulatively from Jan. 1 through April 29, implied gasoline demand averaged 9.213 million bpd, 386,000 bpd, or 4.4%, above the same timeline in 2015.



Fertilizer Prices Stable for Third Straight Week

Not much movement is being seen in retail fertilizer prices with bids continuing to trade in a narrow range for the third straight week, according to DTN's latest retail fertilizer survey.

Four fertilizers edged higher while the other four fertilizers were lower compared to last month, DTN's survey from the last week of April found. None of the four fertilizers moved by any significance. MAP averaged $502 per ton, anhydrous $587/ton, UAN28 $274/ton and UAN32 $321/ton.

The remaining four fertilizers were down compared to the month earlier, but again the move was slight. DAP averaged $476/ton, potash $366/ton, urea $560/ton and 10-34-0 $560/ton.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was at $0.42/lb.N, anhydrous $0.36/lb.N, UAN28 $0.49/lb.N and UAN32 $0.50/lb.N.

Despite recent price stability, fertilizers remain significantly lower compared to a year earlier. All fertilizers are now double digits lower.

UAN32 is 13% lower, 10-34-0 is 14% less expensive, urea is 15% less expensive and MAP is 16% lower from a year ago. In addition, DAP is 17% lower, both anhydrous and UAN28 are 18% less expensive and potash is 26% lower.



US Ethanol, Biodiesel Exports Up

Early Wednesday, the Commerce Department said the U.S. trade deficit fell from $47.0 billion to $40.4 billion in March, the result of an $8.1-billion drop in monthly imports and a $1.5-billion drop in exports.

Related to the grain sector, USDA said that U.S. ethanol exports totaled 95.3 million gallons in March, up 14% from a year ago. China was the top destination, accounting for 39% of March's exports with Brazil and Canada next in line. So far in 2016, U.S. exports of ethanol are up 5% from a year ago.

U.S. exports of biodiesel totaled 32,921 metric tons in March, up 23% from a year ago with Canada taking the lion's share, some 87% of all exports for the month. Year-to-date, U.S. biodiesel exports are off to a big start, up 40% from a year ago.

U.S. exports of distillers grains totaled 822,945 metric tons in March, down 11% from a year ago. Mexico was the top destination for U.S. distillers grains in March, taking 17%. China and South Korea were the next two most popular destinations, but China's March total was down 74% from a year ago. Year-to-date U.S. exports of distillers grains are down 1% from a year ago.



USDA Announces $15.6 Million in Grants to Strengthen Rural Communities

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced $15.6 million in grants to increase prosperity in rural America through research, education, and extension programs focused on promoting rural community development, economic growth, and sustainability. These grants were made through the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) Foundational program, administered by USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA).

"Nearly 60 million Americans live in rural areas, and their value and impact through the agriculture industry can be felt both domestically and internationally," said Secretary Tom Vilsack. "To help these communities remain prosperous and viable, we need to support discovery of new ways that promote economic viability among producers, small businesses, and communities in rural America."

Farmers, ranchers, and rural communities are the backbone for Americans everywhere, providing food, feed, fiber, fuels, and open spaces. However, rural areas and communities face many hardships. Nearly 85 percent of persistent poverty counties are located in rural areas and over six million rural Americans, including about 1.5 million children, live in poverty today. Funding from NIFA is expected to assist communities and regions in creating self-sustaining, long-term economic development through research and strategic planning.

The following projects have been selected for awards in each AFRI program:

Innovations for Rural Entrepreneurs and Communities:
    University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho, $499,966
    University of Illinois, Champaign, Ill., $500,000
    Michigan State University, East Lansing, Mich., $499,738
    Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Miss., $149,974
    North Carolina Central University, Durham, N.C., $417,942
    Texas A&M University, Kingsville, Texas, $47,570
    University of Vermont, Burlington, Vt., $494,110
    University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wis., $498,212

Agricultural Economics and Rural Communities – Environment and Natural Resources:
    University of Connecticut, Storrs, Conn., $500,000
    University of Connecticut, Storrs, Conn., $499,995
    University of Delaware, Newark, Del., $498,434
    University of Illinois, Champaign, Ill., $499,534
    North Carolina State University, Raleigh, N.C., $499,995
    University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Neb., $498,641
    Rutgers University, New Brunswick, N.J., $49,000

Agricultural Economics and Rural Communities – Economics, Markets and Trade:
    Arizona State University, Tempe, Ariz., $482,831
    University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Ark., $398,186
    University of California-Davis, Davis, Calif., $474,132
    University of Connecticut, Storrs, Conn., $499,872
    Albany State University, Albany, Ga., $499,386
    Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kan., $498,396
    University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Mass., $499,990
    North Carolina State University, Raleigh, N.C., $462,829
    Cornell University, Ithaca, N.Y., $499,990
    West Virginia University, Morgantown, W. Va., $402,416

NIFA also provided funds through the Small and Medium-sized Farm program. This program assists farmers and ranchers with management strategies and new technologies to improve the viability and competitiveness of small and medium-sized dairy, poultry, livestock, crop, forestry, and other commodity operations.

Small and Medium-Sized Farms:
    Alabama A&M University, Huntsville, Ala., $480,000
    Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, Ala., $480,000
    Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, La., $479,880
    Tufts University, Medford, Mass., $479,194
    University of Missouri, Columbia, Mo., $477,860
    North Carolina State University, Raleigh, N.C., $469,771
    Syracuse University, Syracuse, N.Y., $478,342
    South Dakota State University, Brookings, S.D., $479,751
    Washington State University, Pullman, Wash., $479,995
    University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wis., $425,000

The AFRI Foundational Program supports projects that sustain and enhance agricultural and related activities in rural areas and to protect the environment, enhance quality of life, and alleviate poverty. Some of the issues covered include demographic changes and impacts in rural areas; consumer behavior; how markets are structured and perform; and agriculture's impact on the environment.



Study: Consumers Underestimate Severity of Global Food Challenge

Research findings to be released today show significant levels of misunderstanding about the realities of food production, namely that only 4% of adults surveyed in Europe correctly estimate that world food production must increase by 60% by 2050.

Results of the survey conducted by YouGov Plc suggest that European adults (UK, Germany, Spain, Poland) underestimate the potential severity of the world's food supply problem and the link between productivity and prices. They also underestimate the role that pesticides can play in supplying affordable food to the consumers. In fact only 31% of adults surveyed think that farmers' inability to protect their crops against diseases and crop infestation is a factor directly linked to increasing the cost of the world's food supply.

"If farmers cannot protect their crops, cost will inevitably increase," Graeme Taylor, spokesperson for the pesticides industry said at an event held in Brussels on the future of European farming where the survey results were released.

Taylor said, "Consumers expect - and deserve - to have access to safe and affordable food of good quality. To continue to be able to produce sufficient quantities of quality crops requires sustainable use of pesticides. This research shows however that consumers do not appreciate the magnitude of what is at stake if farmers don't have access to innovative solutions like pesticides to protect their crops."

Many country-level results also revealed misperceptions. In Poland nearly one-third (30%) of adults misunderstand the purpose of pesticides, disagreeing with the fact that they are designed to protect plants from damaging influences including harmful bugs, invasive weeds, parasites and fungi. When asked what percentage of global crop yields they think are currently lost to plant pests and diseases each year, only 12% of respondents in the United Kingdom correctly identify the correct figure, which is 40%.

ECPA is therefore launching an initiative aimed at engaging society in a conversation about the role pesticides play in food production and addressing the negative preconceptions that exist.