My Fellow Iowans,
It’s time to set the record straight: Iowa farmers are not doomed if ethanol plants don’t transition to SAF markets. In fact, focusing on ethanol-based SAF while ignoring other lucrative opportunities for corn is not only short-sighted, it’s misleading. The future of Iowa agriculture lies not in pipelines and carbon capture, but in the diverse opportunities that have always defined our farming heritage. Summit Carbon Solutions pipeline and its promise to bring new markets to corn growers through Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is a far cry from being of “public benefit” to Iowans. The truth is that Summit’s promises are as empty as our politician’s promises – as has become more apparent with every step of this pipeline process. Let me be very clear on this issue: Every step forward for Summitt is made possible by the very people that “We, The People” elected.
Iowa’s Future Isn’t Tied to SAF Alone
Let’s start with the claim that SAF is the “next big thing” for corn growers. Yes, SAF is a growing industry, but it’s not the only path forward for Iowa farmers. The idea that we must rely on ethanol-based SAF to save our farms simply isn’t true. In fact, relying solely on this market could actually expose farmers to even greater risks—especially when sugarcane ethanol from Brazil is being hailed as a cheaper, more efficient alternative for SAF.
Brazilian sugarcane has several advantages over corn when it comes to SAF production. Sugarcane is more energy-dense, requiring less land and producing higher yields per acre. It’s also cheaper to grow in Brazil due to favorable climates and lower labor costs. With sugarcane ethanol now being imported into the U.S. to meet SAF demand, it’s clear that ethanol-based SAF is not the magic bullet for Iowa corn growers. Yet, it feels like the greedy attempt to tie our future to this market gets more powerful by the day. The sad reality is this entire initiative is driven by corporate interests, government subsidies and tax credits, and campaign donations – not the real needs of Iowa farmers.
Diversifying Markets for Corn Is the Key to Survival
Rather than putting all our eggs in the SAF basket, we should be looking at a range of alternative markets for corn that are already delivering results for farmers across the country. One such market is bioplastics and bio-based chemicals. Corn can be used to produce renewable, biodegradable materials that are in high demand across industries like packaging, agriculture, and even automotive manufacturing. With the global bioplastics market expected to grow to $43.7 billion by 2027, this is a market that can deliver long-term profitability for Iowa farmers—without relying on volatile energy markets.
Then there’s the food and beverage industry, where corn plays a crucial role in everything from sweeteners and starches to oils. As consumer preferences shift toward more sustainable and health-conscious products, Iowa corn can be used to meet demand for non-GMO, gluten-free, and organic food products. Instead of betting our future on SAF, we should be leveraging the versatility of corn in ways that directly impact consumers, both here and abroad.
The Growing Renewable Natural Gas Market
Another avenue that’s often overlooked is the growing market for renewable natural gas (RNG). Corn-based biogas and manure from livestock operations can be used to produce RNG, which is then sold to utilities and transportation fleets looking for clean energy alternatives. This market is projected to grow significantly in the coming years as states and companies push to meet clean energy mandates. In fact, the U.S. Department of Energy estimates that RNG could displace up to 1.2 trillion cubic feet of natural gas annually, creating a major opportunity for farmers to diversify their revenue streams.
We also shouldn’t forget export opportunities. While Brazil may be exporting sugarcane ethanol to the U.S., we can focus on other global markets that still value American-grown corn. Southeast Asia and Africa, for example, are rapidly growing markets for corn and corn-derived products. U.S. corn exports to these regions are expected to increase as demand for livestock feed and food processing grows.
Local Markets and Value-Added Agriculture
On a more local level, Iowa farmers have the potential to tap into the burgeoning market for farm-to-table produce and value-added agriculture. With more consumers seeking locally sourced, sustainable food options, Iowa corn can be transformed into high-value products like cornmeal, tortilla chips, or even specialty items for the booming craft food scene. These are markets that keep money within our communities, strengthen our rural economies, and offer more stable income than relying on global energy markets or corporate-driven schemes.
Don’t Be Fooled: Big Companies Are Pushing an Agenda, Not Saving Farms
The narrative that Iowa’s future is doomed without SAF and carbon pipelines is one that big corporations are pushing to serve their own interests, not ours. We’ve seen this before. Decades ago, ethanol was touted as the saving grace for corn growers—and for a time, it was. But now, as the market shifts and demand for ethanol drops, the same companies are scrambling to find a new way to profit. SAF is just the latest bandwagon they want us to jump on, but it’s far from the only option available to us.
By focusing on SAF alone, we’re allowing ourselves to be boxed into a narrow market that could leave us vulnerable to forces beyond our control—like competition from cheaper, foreign alternatives such as Brazilian sugarcane. It’s time we take control of our own future by expanding into diverse, stable markets that benefit Iowa farmers, not just big corporations.
A Strong Future Without Pipelines
We don’t need carbon pipelines crisscrossing our state to secure a bright future for Iowa farmers. What we need is smart, forward-thinking policies that open up new markets, support rural economies, and protect our land for future generations. By investing in bioplastics, bio-based chemicals, renewable natural gas, and local value-added agriculture, we can create a future where Iowa farms thrive—without the risks and false promises of carbon capture and ethanol-based SAF.
We’ve always been resilient and resourceful as Iowans. We know how to adapt and thrive in the face of adversity. Let’s not fall for the narrative that our farms will collapse without pipelines and carbon credits. Let’s build a future based on the real opportunities that exist for Iowa corn—opportunities that are diverse, sustainable, and driven by the needs of our communities, not corporate profits.
Sincerely,
Brian Frye
Williams, IA
Proud Iowa Farmer and Advocate for Our Future
