WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD-TV) — Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor told attendees at the Global Ethanol Summit here that bioethanol’s growth is fueling both agricultural prosperity and stronger global trade ties.
Speaking to representatives from more than 40 countries, Skor described bioethanol as “a high-octane, low-carbon fuel that supports farmers, strengthens economies, and saves drivers money,” while reinforcing America’s role as a reliable energy and agricultural partner. She highlighted that U.S. bioethanol production now exceeds 10 billion gallons annually, that blending is legal in all 50 states, and that exports are poised to set another record this year.
She said nations such as Canada, Brazil, India, and Japan are expanding their bioethanol use and trade, adding that higher global bioethanol blends lift demand for U.S. corn and co-products such as distillers’ grains. She also underscored ethanol’s role in decarbonization, noting that American producers have reduced carbon intensity by 20 percent over 15 years through improved farming efficiency, water savings, and new technologies such as carbon capture and sequestration.
Framing ethanol as a bridge between energy and agriculture policy, Skor said bioethanol “isn’t just a rural issue—it’s a trade tool.” With a $4 billion trade surplus in 2024, she urged other nations to prioritize ethanol partnerships with the U.S. “When we invest in bioethanol, we’re investing in the rural economy,” she said. “Supporting farmers, boosting GDP, and creating a supply chain that starts and stops on domestic soil.”
Farm-Level Takeaway: Growth Energy says expanding bioethanol use strengthens rural economies, supports farm markets, and positions U.S. agriculture at the center of global low-carbon trade.
Tony St. James, RFD-TV Markets Expert
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