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 It just kind of clears out some of the outdated regulations that prevent retailers from offering unleaded 88 to drivers.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.

Related Stories
Year-round sales of E-15 are another major topic on Capitol Hill, which, according to Rep. Adrian Smith (R-NE), is one issue up for debate this session with significant bipartisan support.
Lawmakers have until September 30 to shore up federal spending for next year, or risk a government shutdown. The Farm Bill is also set to expire the same day.
American Soybean Association President Caleb Ragland joins us to share his reaction to September’s WASDE and discuss the trade uncertainty between China and his industry.
Harvested acres are estimated at 90.0 million, making this year’s corn crop one of the largest since the 1930s.