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
A long-running poultry waste lawsuit remains unresolved after a federal judge rejected proposed settlements and appeals followed.
Ethanol, sorghum, dairy, and cotton provide additional export support as major commodity trade markets remain uneven.
USMEF says several African markets continue imposing barriers that limit opportunities for American meat exports.
Funding will support studies focused on production challenges, crop management and new opportunities for growers.

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:

Specialty crop growers should confirm eligible acreage and application access early to avoid missing available assistance.
China’s expanding farm assistance in Cuba bears watching as food trade becomes part of regional influence.
Wheat Harvest Begins As Drought Challenges Livestock Regions
Unlike facilities focused on merchant ammonia, Meadowlark would convert its on-site ammonia into UAN and sulfur-containing ATS fertilizers used by regional crop producers.
For producers, the issue is diesel, freight, irrigation fuel, and input delivery.
The proposed USDA rule would replace negative pay adjustments with a guaranteed minimum base rate for poultry growers.
Agriculture Shows
As the trusted voice of the U.S. cattle and beef industry, the National Cattlemen Beef Association strives to share timely, relevant news. NCBA’s “Cattlemen to Cattlemen” is the leading TV show for beef producers to receive cattle industry news, education, and information.
America’s Heartland brings positive, heartfelt stories about American agriculture to viewers in both urban and rural areas.
Hosted by Pam Minick, “The American Rancher” focuses on the people and places that make ranching an American lifestyle. This half-hour magazine format series features livestock producers and their ranches, animals, and ranching practices.
For the latest information on how to take your operation from good to great, tune into Ag PhD. The program includes a wide range of agronomic information from how to maximize your fertilizer program & tiling to stopping those yield-robbing insects and crop diseases and more.