NCGA: Year-round sales E15 sales would boost the farm economy

The latest continuing resolution to keep the government open does not include plans for year-round sales of E15. Corn growers say those sales coulf offer a big boost to a suffering farm economy.

Every one percent increase in the blend rate equates to about 500 million bushels of corn. It is not a mandate at all. It just kind of clears out some of the outdated regulations that prevent retailers from offering unleaded 88 to drivers. So, we believe that when given the choice, you pull up to the pump and you see something that is 20 to 25 percent cheaper than regular fuel, you’re probably going to pick E15,” said Neil Caskey, National Corn Growers Association CEO.

The ethanol industry adds around 15 billion gallons to the U.S. fuel supply each year. NCGA says the addition of year-round E15 sales would amount to 2.3 billion gallons more.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Corn and beef exports showed strong momentum, cotton sales surged, and soybean sales held steady, though China remains absent from the U.S. market.
Cheaper freight is helping exports move, especially corn, but weaker soybean demand looms large.
Disease risks remain a key factor to watch heading into fall.
American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) economist Danny Munch explains how the Emergency Livestock Relief Program application process differs from other USDA aid programs.
According to the National Council of Farmers Cooperatives (NCFC), President and CEO Chuck Conner says, there is only one other option besides addressing ag labor shortages.