Growth Energy CEO Highlights Bioethanol’s Role in Agriculture

Expanding bioethanol use strengthens rural economies, supports farm markets, and positions U.S. agriculture at the center of global low-carbon trade.

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
Related Stories
The USDA noted that peanut edible utilization season-to-date is down 3% on the year, despite overall stocks increasing.
A booming butterfat market is good for some dairy products but threatens efficiency and margins for cheesemakers unless protein levels catch up
Smaller flocks and lower lay rates are pressuring table egg supplies, even as hatchery activity edges higher.
Strong corn exports are anchoring U.S. trade, while soybean sales remain steady, but shipments lag.
Smaller slaughter numbers across beef and pork signal tighter supplies into late 2025, while record-low veal production highlights ongoing structural changes in the sector.
Lower inventories and cautious farrowing plans suggest tighter hog supplies into 2026, keeping producer margins sensitive to demand trends and health risks.
Transportation challenges are mounting as droughts lower Mississippi River levels and push freight rates higher.
Michigan corn farmer and NCGA Vice President-Elect Matt Frostic will lead the task force. He joined us on Thursday to share his insights on the escalating corn crisis.
As input costs continue to rise, diesel prices have held steady in recent weeks, according to energy analysts at GasBuddy.

Tony St. James joined the RFD-TV talent team in August 2024, bringing a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to RFD-TV and Rural Radio Channel 147 Sirius XM. In addition to his role as Market Specialist (collaborating with Scott “The Cow Guy” Shellady to provide radio and TV audiences with the latest updates on ag commodity markets), he hosts “Rural America Live” and serves as talent for trade shows.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

A strong corn export pull is supportive of bids; soybeans need steady vessel programs or fresh sales to firm cash.
USDA will meet part of November SNAP benefits under court direction, citing insufficient funds for full payments.
An import lag for ground beef will likely look different than last year’s egg shortage. The difference comes down to biosecurity and market flexibility.
China’s crusher losses and Brazil tensions, Gale warns, could reopen critical soybean trade channels for U.S. producers.
Persistently low Mississippi River levels are turning logistics challenges into pricing risks — tightening margins for grain producers and exporters across the heartland.
The WASDE/Crop Production combo will be the first full read on supply, demand, and yield that could move basis and hedging plans since the government shutdown more than a month ago.