Exhibit 23




                               Consent of Independent Auditors

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form
S-8, No. 33-88946) pertaining to the Penford Corporation Savings and Stock
Ownership Plan of our report dated December 21, 2001 with respect to the
financial statements and supplemental schedules of Penford Corporation Savings
and Stock Ownership Plan included in this Annual Report (Form 11-K) for the year
ended August 31, 2001.

Seattle, Washington
February 21, 2002                                             ERNST & YOUNG LLP