In his paper presented at the meeting of the A.S.R.E., Dr. Barnard, of the National Farm Chemurgic Council, stated that to the chemical engineer the farmer is essentially a manufacturer, for he produces materials that, in the not so distant future, will provide not only a practical and permanent cure of the farm problem but by means of proper processing will give to the consumer new and better goods. Already the program is under way, as is evident from viewing a number of industries. The plastic industry is one of the fastest growing of the chemical industries.
It uses a great variety of raw materials produced on the farm, casein and soybeans, cotton or wood pulp and acetic acid which form cellulose acetate, and glycerine, a byproduct of the soap or oils and fats industries, which is the basic material in the new Glyptol resins.
Starch from the sweet potato is another example. Cornstarch is a basic material essential in a great number of industries and will become equally important in others.
The industrial chemist is making products of far greater value than corn has ever had on the farm for a great variety of industrial needs. The use of corn sugar or dextrose is increasing rapidly.
The conversion of farm products into alcohol may well replace fuel which is now obtained from a steadily decreasing production of our oil fields. Sugar, too, is a highly valued product.
It may well be that in the years to come our country will be on an entirely self-supporting sugar basis. It could easily absorb the sugar made from beets grown on ~,OOO,OOO additional acres.
None of the chemurgic remedies will cure agricultural ills or effect quick cures.
None will put the patient on his feet unless he is willing to do his full part in the trinity of agriculture, industry, and science. R. H. 0.