Finding ways to expand the use of America’s ag products here at home was the purpose behind a hearing before the Senate Ag Committee on Tuesday.
“Today, corn farmers are facing many challenges—and this hearing on domestic demand expansion cannot come at a more critical time for our industry,” said Jed Bower, an Ohio farmer and President of the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA).
He told the committee aid the best place to start is to expand U.S. production of ethanol and other biofuels.
“Since its inception, the ethanol industry has strengthened rural economies, created jobs, and driven farmer profitability,” he said. “Today, over one-third of each year’s crop is turned into fuel. We believe there is room for growth in on-road, marine, and aviation fuels.”
Bower urged lawmakers to make the year-round sale of E-15 permanent.
“Farmers have waited far too long for this simple, deregulatory bill to be passed,” he said. “Aside from the economic boost it would provide to farmers, year-round E-15 would lead to significant savings for American consumers, and strengthen U.S. energy dominance at a time when geopolitics are complicating markets and supply chains.”
Scott Metzger, also an Ohio farmer and President of the American Soybean Association (ASA), pushed both lawmakers and the Trump administration for the expansion of biodiesel and other soy-based biofuels.
“Soybean farmers are in the same boat. This last year, we were about $109 an acre loss. We were also the lowest on the FBA (USDA’s Farmer Bridge Assistance program) payment. Things like this are going to be critical for American soybean farmers to be able to become more economically viable in the future,” he said.
Metzger also urged the administration to finalize guidance for the 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit and Renewable Fuel Standard renewable volume obligations for 2026 and 2027.
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