E15 Policy Meets State Politics as Iowa Governor Primary Unfolds

Iowa Congressman Randy Feenstra says the proposal would allow retailers to decide whether they want to offer E15 year-round.

DES MOINES, Iowa (RFD News) — Voters are heading to the polls today in six states, including Iowa, where U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-04) is seeking the Republican nomination for governor. Governor Kim Reynolds is not seeking re-election, making it Iowa’s first open primary in nearly two decades.

Feenstra, a member of the House Agriculture Committee, is one of five candidates competing in Iowa’s GOP primary. The race has drawn additional attention in recent days following President Trump’s endorsement of him.

Meanwhile, he continues advocating for year-round E15 sales after recently helping advance related legislation in the House.

“So for our farming community, for our producers, it’s so important,” Feenstra said. “I’ll also say this is that E15 is not a mandate. It’s just an opportunity that allows states to sell it year-round. It allows retailers to decide if they want to sell it in Iowa — 50% of our retailers currently sell it. This just creates an opportunity for the certainty that the retailers wanted to have, that they’re certain to sell at 12 months out of the year. That’s why, from all states, I believe that there’s going to be a great movement forward to selling this product and helping our producers and creating more domestic energy.”

If the federal measure to legalize year-round sales of E15 remains a standalone bill in the Senate — rather than being added back to the Senate’s version of the Farm Bill — it would require 60 votes before heading to President Trump’s desk.

Related Stories
The mobile bar, or “ComBar,” is built from a real combine harvester and celebrates the farmers behind beer made with U.S.-grown ingredients.
Nebraska Soybean Board Vice Chairman Greg Anderson says expanding biodiesel production is creating new opportunities for soybean growers and adding value closer to the farm.
National Farmers Union President Rob Larew and National Potato Council CEO Kam Quarles discuss the Senate Farm Bill, farm safety-net priorities, supplemental aid, year-round E15, support for specialty crops, and federal agricultural policy.
Rep. Monica De La Cruz says she’s working to make Mexico’s water obligations part of USMCA negotiations.
The grants are designed to expand processing capacity, strengthen rural supply chains and improve access for livestock producers.
SNAP continued to account for the largest share of food assistance spending as participation and overall program costs increased.

Knoxville native Neal Burnette-Irwin is a graduate from MTSU where he majored in Journalism and Entertainment Studies. He works as a digital content producer with RFD News and is represented by multiple talent agencies in Nashville and Chicago.


LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Huma says growers are placing greater emphasis on intensive management as soybean production continues to evolve
State President Riley Farris reflects on a year of service as thousands of members prepare to gather in Fort Worth.
Higher production costs remain a challenge, but growers say recent H-2A changes provide some labor relief.
Wyatt Bolding’s perseverance has earned him a spot as one of three finalists for Louisiana Farm Bureau’s 2026 Achievement Award.
As weather reduced this year’s crop, USDA also highlighted George Washington’s cherry legacy ahead of America 250.
Canada and Mexico have both expressed support for renewing the agreement, but questions remain as the review continues.