WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD-TV) — With a bumper corn crop this season, U.S. farmers are searching for ways to expand market opportunities — and one potential boost could come from year-round sales of E15, a higher ethanol blend that experts say could lift corn demand, lower fuel prices, and strengthen overall farm income.
American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) economist Faith Parum joined us on Thursday’s Market Day Report to break down the potential impact of the policy change.
Parum explained that allowing E15 sales year-round would likely increase corn demand, since ethanol production relies heavily on the crop. The move could also help consumers by offering a lower-cost, cleaner-burning fuel option at the pump — benefits that could ripple throughout the rural economy.
Currently, E15 cannot be sold nationwide during summer months due to environmental regulations tied to air quality standards, a restriction farm groups and ethanol advocates have long pushed to remove.
Looking ahead, Parum noted that even as electric vehicle adoption grows and gasoline demand levels off, biofuel policy remains key to sustaining markets for American farmers. She said maintaining and expanding ethanol access is an important way to ensure a strong, reliable outlet for corn in the years ahead.
As domestic production and blending slowed, export demand remained a clear bright spot.
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