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American Agriculture Movement holds 33rd annual convention
Members of the American Agriculture Movement met for their 33rd annual convention Jan. 5 to 7. National AAM President Larry Matlack welcomed the group and reported on the continuing efforts of his organization to improve the image of ethanol and expand ethanol production through grain and cellulose feed stock. "AAM is working closely with other entities involved with ethanol production and it is important to continue these efforts in our ever-changing and improving technology of ethanol production," Matlack said. Matlack also reminded the attendees that it was through the efforts of AAM that ethanol has become a player in renewable energy for the United States. "Remember the 'Still on the Mall,'" he said, referring to an alcohol still that was constructed on the National Mall and produced alcohol, when farmers drove their tractor to Washington, D.C., in the early 1980s in the largest farm protest on record in the nation's capital. "That was the beginning of the renewable energy ethanol program," Matlack concluded. He recalled making cookies from the distillers grain and serving those to members of Congress, as well. Josh Tickell, director of the films "Freedom" and "Fuel" spoke to the group and related how interest was growing in renewable fuels, particularly ethanol. "It is important that we work to dispel many of the myths and misinformation that is out there about ethanol," Tickell told the group. "This industry requires lots of employees from the planting of the crop through the distillation and distribution of the final product," Tickell said. He pointed out the benefits all the way from the agriculture crop producer to the agriculture communities and even the environment. "We must do a better job of educating the public about ethanol," Tickell told the group. That is the basis for his production of the films. David Senter, of the government relations firm KSCW, talked about the upcoming farm bill debate. Senter said, "With many members of Congress unwilling to compromise, it is going to be difficult to reach a workable and viable farm program for producers." With many new ag committee members it is important to keep them informed of AAM's plans for the farm bill. AAM has been the leader in promoting "100 percent parity" for all agriculture production since the organization began in 1978. Members of AAM left the convention with a renewed confidence and determination to continue the fight for 100 percent parity for all agriculture products in addition to working for a better environment and better national security energy program, and they intend to keep an eye on all pending farm legislation. "It is important that everyone understands the benefits of agriculture in their own community including the benefits of an ever growing and improving Ethanol industry" Matlack concluded. For more information about AAM go to www.aaminc.org .
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