ND ag secretary defends ethanol, promotes tech

Forbes.com
Associated Press
By DALE WETZEL 08.28.08, 12:02 PM ET

BISMARCK, N.D. -
U.S. Agriculture Secretary Ed Schafer says a backlash against ethanol production may be easing as consumers realize the alternative fuel's value and begin doubting arguments that it is to blame for soaring food prices.

The former North Dakota governor, in a Wednesday speech to a rural economic development conference and in remarks to reporters afterward, also said the Agriculture Department is taking a more prominent role in trying to improve Internet access in rural areas.

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