New Maritime Initiative Seeks to Expand U.S. Biofuels

A new maritime biofuels coalition aims to position ocean shipping as a significant growth market for U.S. crops and waste-derived fuels.

trade_adobe stock.png

Adobe Stock

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (RFD-TV) — A new coalition, the American Biofuels Maritime Initiative (ABMI), aims to open a major new market for U.S. farmers by promoting American-made biofuels for global shipping.

Co-chaired by the Renewable Fuels Association and the American Biogas Council, the group will work with the Trump Administration and Congress to lock in policies that favor U.S. biofuels in the maritime sector and position the United States as a leader in future marine fuel standards.

ABMI plans to advocate for policies that make it easier to use ethanol, biomethane, bio-LNG, biodiesel, and renewable diesel in ocean-going vessels. That would create new demand for feedstocks such as corn, sorghum, soybeans, and organic waste from U.S. farms and processors, thereby tying rural supply chains directly to international freight.

Backers say leveraging existing biofuel and port infrastructure, while encouraging new maritime investments, could strengthen farm income, build resilience in rural economies, and keep more fuel value at home as global shipping decarbonizes.

Related Stories
Smaller beekeepers may find opportunities despite ongoing colony health challenges.
Strong feedlot demand keeps beef-on-dairy calf premiums elevated.
Farmer Jeffry Mitchell with the Mississippi Farm Bureau joins us for a spring planting update from the southeast region as drought, input costs, and fertilizer access complicate crop progress.
Lower U.S. ethanol production and stocks may support ethanol prices while strong export demand continues to support ethanol and corn markets.
Spring Fieldwork Progress Mixed As Moisture Slows Activity
Charly Cummings with Superior Livestock Auctions provides a real-time look at cattle market activity, demand trends, and what lies ahead for upcoming livestock auctions in Texas.

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:

Leadership closer to western forests may speed decisions impacting timber, land use, and wildfire management.
Fewer DEF-related shutdowns could mean more uptime during planting and harvest seasons.
Consumer spending continues, but value-focused buying is on the rise.
Cooperatives may need changes to attract younger producers.
Rising costs are significantly extending walnut profitability timelines.
Consistent sorghum quality supports strong export demand potential.
Agriculture Shows
Hosted by Scott “The Cow Guy” Shellady and RFD News Markets Specialist Tony St. James, Commodity Talk delivers expert insight into the day’s ag commodity markets just before the CME opens. Only on RFD-TV and Rural Radio SiriusXM Channel 147.
A look at the news, weather and commodities headlines that drove agriculture markets in the past week.
Everything profits from prairie. Soil, air, water — and all kinds of life! Learn how you can improve your land with prairie restoration, cover crops and prairie strips, while growing your bottom line.
Special 3-part series tells the story of the Claas family’s legacy, which changed agriculture forever.