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
Pork producers should prioritize health and productivity gains, hedge feed and hogs selectively, and watch Brazil’s export pace and China’s sow policy for price signals.
For tight margins, contract grazing leverages existing acres into new income streams and spreads risk. Here are some tips for row crop farmers looking to diversify.
Texas Cattle Feeders Association Chairman Robby Kirkland explains how the ongoing U.S.-Mexico border closure impacts feed yards that rely on Mexican cattle due to the New World Screwworm.
Global nitrogen and phosphate prices remain high despite improved supply fundamentals, with limited Chinese exports and stronger fall applications tightening availability.
Record output, larger stocks, and softer exports point to a well-supplied domestic ethanol market as harvest progresses.
U.S. sugar producers and processors should brace for price pressure and challenging export logistics with global sugar supply ramping up — driven by Brazil, India, and Thailand — especially at the raw processing level.
David Klein with the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers (ASFMRA) shares an end-of-harvest update and a peek at the farmland market in Central Illinois.
Wed, 12/10/25 – 7:30 PM ET | 6:30 PM CT | 5:30 PM MT | 4:30 PM PT
The Farm Bureau urges trade enforcement, biofuel growth, fair input pricing, and pro-farmer policy reforms to restore long-term certainty.

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:

Crop producers face tightening credit and lower incomes, while strong cattle markets continue to stabilize finances in livestock-heavy regions.
Early Cattle-on-Feed estimates point to slightly tighter cattle supplies, reinforcing the need to monitor prices and timing for winter marketing.
Removing the 40% duty sharply lowers U.S. beef import costs on beef, coffee, fertilizer and fruit, and restores Brazil’s competitiveness during a period of tight domestic supply.
Row crop losses in 2025 are outpacing last year. With no disaster aid yet approved, many operations face a tough financial bridge to 2026 even as Farm Bill improvements remain a year away.
Experts say farmers and ethanol producers would benefit from a risk-based ILUC system that protects forests without relying on speculative modeling.
Farmland values remain stable, but weakened credit conditions and lower expected farm income signal tighter financial margins heading into 2026.