One important economic factor in producing ethanol is its influence on the price of corn. Corn prices have more than doubled sin
ce 2005 because of increased demand, according to financial experts. Farmers know that corn is highly sought after, so they allot more space on their farms to grow large amounts of corn. This leaves less room for growing other kinds of crops, such as wheat or soybeans. These smaller amounts force suppliers to raise the prices of these now secondary crops as well. Bread and cereal manufactures are also involved in the economics of ethanol. These companies then pass rising costs of their crops to consumers, leading to higher prices at the grocery store. Which statement summarizes how the chart illustrates the author's position on ethanol?
A) The chart supports the author's claim that more corn used for ethanol means less corn for livestock.
B) The chart supports the author's claim that not only the price of corn, but the prices of wheat and soybeans have risen as well.
C) The chart supports the author's theory about why the price of corn has risen sharply in the last few years.
D) The chart shows that the history of agriculture has proven that corn prices will level out naturally.
