Ohio farmers in Washington today to lobby for the stalled energy bill

POSTED: Tuesday, March 09, 2004 10:00:42 AM
UPDATED: Tuesday, March 09, 2004 10:00:42 AM

WASHINGTON -- About a hundred Ohio farmers are traveling to Washington today to discuss their needs and concerns with government officials.

Topping their priority list is passage of the stalled energy bill. Farmers support the bill because it would mandate greater use of renewable fuels such as ethanol, which is made from corn.

Ohio farmers say more ethanol means more corn, which would drive up their prices. It also would help Ohio break ground on an ethanol plant.

The farmers also are concerned about regulatory reforms for international farm trade and farm labor.

They are meeting with several lawmakers from the House Agriculture Committee including Vice Chairman John Boehner (BAY'-ner), who represents southwest Ohio.

© 2004 The Associated Press.