Mapping the Corn Genome

Researchers announced this week that they had successfully mapped the corn genome, an exciting discovery with ramifications for the ethanol industry. It could allow seed biotechnology companies to engineer corn with better yields, more drought resistance and many other benefits. As Motley Fool said today: In addition to being a boon for large ethanol producers such as The Andersons and Poet, this could also alleviate some of the tension over the “food vs. fuel” debate by allowing farmers to squeeze more ethanol from each bushel of corn.

Our CEO was interviewed on local NBC affiliate KDLT yesterday. You can watch the video (for a short time) on their home page, and read the transcript here. Jeff's comments follow:

Jeff Broin of POET says "This map of the genome actually would allow corn to advance further even more quickly, so we could potentially see faster gains in yield.”

It will be years before alterations in the genetic code are put into place, but in the end there will be a benefit for everyone.

Broin says, “The increase in corn yield will have the potential to, long term, even lower energy and food prices, which could have a significant impact on everybody.”