WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD NEWS) — Rising tensions in the Middle East are pushing oil and gas prices higher, and agriculture groups say the situation adds urgency to efforts to approve year-round sales of higher ethanol blends. Leaders with the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation are in Washington this week advocating for policy priorities important to farmers, including expanded access to E15.
Ohio Farm Bureau (OHFB) President Bill Patterson joined us on Wednesday’s Market Day Report during the organization’s annual OHFB County Presidents’ Trip to discuss the issue. In his interview with RFD NEWS, Patterson explained that producers continue to closely monitor developments in Congress, particularly after President Donald Trump recently called on lawmakers in Iowa to send legislation authorizing year-round E15 sales to his desk.
Patterson also shared his perspective on the latest farm legislation after the U.S. House Committee on Agriculture advanced what some are calling “Farm Bill 2.0.” While the proposal does not include E15 language, it contains several provisions aimed at strengthening farm policy as the legislation moves toward consideration by the full House.
With planting season approaching in Ohio, Patterson said farmers are closely monitoring field conditions and input costs, particularly as geopolitical tensions raise concerns about potential supply challenges for fuel and fertilizer. Land use and development remain another priority for farmers in the state.
Finally, Patterson discussed ongoing conversations about using agricultural land for artificial intelligence data centers and expanded energy projects, noting that those proposals have generated mixed reactions among producers.
