The National Chicken Council today held an educational briefing on the impact of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) and corn ethanol on the US chicken industry for members of the Congressional Chicken Caucus and their staffs.

NCC Senior Vice President and Economist Bill Roenigk briefed staff on the history of the RFS and its unintended consequences, current challenges and issues facing the industry, and price impacts affecting consumer behavior.  The NCC legislative team explained the political climate surrounding the RFS as well as legislative opportunities to address the flawed energy policy, encouraging caucus members to sign onto both Rep. Bob Goodlatte’s (R-VA) “RFS Reform Act of 2013” and Rep. Steve Womack’s (R-AR) “Renewable Fuel Standard Amendments Act”.

Roenigk explained that with multiple legislative approaches introduced this year in the House of Representatives, as well as potential Senate companion legislation, it is vital that we examine the effects that these bills would have on the chicken industry, animal agriculture, and all US consumers facing increasing food prices. Roenigk also pointed out this endeavor is especially important during a year when corn plantings are being significantly delayed because of an overabundance of rainfall, raising the possibility of another consecutive year of unfavorable crop conditions.

The briefing concluded with a trade update by Roenigk, focusing on the Trans-Pacific Partnership, Trade Promotion Authority, as well as market issues and opportunities in India, Indonesia, China, and Mexico.

The next Congressional Chicken Caucus briefing will be held in June focusing on food safety and regulatory issues facing the industry.