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Maryland Grain Producers |
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BENEFITS OF USING GRAIN |
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| The use of grain has significant
benefits to our
health,
environment,
and
economy.
Grain products are renewable,
recyclable, and biodegradable - all make
a difference in our environment today
and tomorrow. |
Health Benefits
Fewer calories, higher fiber, reduced amounts
of sugar, and less fat are all parts of a desirable diet. Grain in the
human food chain helps provide all of these.
It provides protein and fiber that are both
essential elements in our diet. Oil from
the germ of the kernel is low in
saturated fat, ideal for
health-conscious diets. Starch from the
kernel provides carbohydrates to our
diet. This provides needed energy for
growth and activities. Fructose from
cornstarch, is a sweetener that is 1 1/2
times sweeter than refined sugar. Less
fructose is needed to sweeten so the
food contains fewer calories. Fructose
also helps the body utilize protein.
The work environment for employees is greatly
improved when grain-based chemicals and
products are used, which reduces health
and safety risks. Plant matter-derived
chemicals are typically lower in
toxicity, flammability and corrosivity
than their petrochemical counterparts. |
Environmental Benefits
Grain is a renewable resource that can help
reduce our dependency on foreign oil and
reduce the volume of trash in our
landfills.
Because grain-based products are made from
agricultural materials, they are, by
their very nature, environmentally
friendly. In many instances, these
products replace petroleum, or make use
of an agricultural waste material.
When compared to petroleum-based
alternatives, the use of grain-based
products reduces upstream and downstream
pollution. Utilizing plant matter in the
manufacture of chemicals and other
products decreases the amount of
upstream pollution generated from the
extraction and processing of crude oil
into chemicals. Products derived from
plant matter are highly biodegradable
and in most cases can be disposed of
safely and inexpensively, resulting in
less downstream pollution.
Using products made from grain and not from
petroleum assures that we won't run out
in the future. New stocks of raw
materials can be grown each year. Grain
is one of the most efficient "factories"
for producing raw materials. It takes
energy from the sun and nutrients from
the soil and using a single seed,
produces 50-800 more kernels in one
season. The more renewable resources we
use today, the better off the world will
be tomorrow. |
Economic Benefits
The economics of replacing petroleum-based
products with grain-based products are
increasingly favorable and
cost-competitive.
Manufacturers can save through dramatic
reductions in standard and hazardous
waste disposal costs. Replacing
petroleum-based products can avoid
costly permits and compliance penalties.
The private sector benefits from grain-based
products in several ways. Grain-based
chemicals provide an environmental
compliance tool for manufacturers and
end-users. These substitutions can be a
permanent solution to regulatory
problems by replacing chemicals listed
on the Environmental Protection Agency’s
Toxic Release Inventory.
The use of plant matter in products
stimulates rural economic development.
Because plant matter is a bulky
material, agricultural crops and
residues are most efficiently converted
into higher value end-products by nearby
processing and manufacturing facilities.
This provides greater income and
opportunities for farmers and rural
communities.
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