Functional genomics will continue to make corn a better raw material for manufacturing ethanol and many other products. Biotechnology will create totally new products, including pharmaceuticals and neutraceuticals, that can be produced in and manufactured from corn. Functional genomics will also improve the microorganisms and enzymes used in production and processing of the various fractions of the corn kernel, leading to even more diverse and useful products that can obtained from corn in profitable commercial operations. I deliberately reported on all the major stages of ethanol production and use, because the overall viability of the ethanol industry is improved by advances in each of these dimensions. No one factor makes or breaks the strong case for ethanol.
Ethanol is just part of a very complex bio-based production and utilization system.
Anaylses of its strengths and weaknesses must reflect all of these dimensions. We applaud your efforts in that direction. Thank you for this opportunity to provide information for the committee.