Keep up your radio tuned this summer to hear Illinois Farm Bureau’s (IFB) new commercials that explain the true causes of rising food pries. “It’s a complicated issue,” says IFB Promotions Manager Mary Ellen Fricke, “but we’re focusing our radio spots on the biggest continuators, such as the energy crisis, bad weather, and labor costs.”

IFB also found it important to tackle the myths that ethanol and high commodity prices cause higher food costs. “One of our new commercials questions the biofuel scaremongering,” adds Fricke. “We don’t want people to be taken in by bad science and bad sources.” The spot discusses the Texas A&M study that points out that ethanol has little to do with food prices. “On the contrary, ethanol has lowered our current gas price by 15%. That helps keep down the cost of transporting foods.“ Another annoucement explains the farm vaule in a box of cereal, busting the myth that high corn prices are soley to blame.

The radio spots are part of Illinois Farm Bureau’s campaign to get the facts out. Other efforts include public presentations, newspaper ads, and a new website– www.FarmingForYou.org.