Sen. Joni Ernst is praising Ag Secretary Sonny Perdue for supporting Iowa’s biofuels industry during the coronavirus pandemic. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced a $100 million grant program for activities designed to expand the “availability and sale of higher blends of ethanol like E15 and E85,” – which will be important for the long-term future of the ethanol industry.
The new grant follows President Trump’s 2019 announcement of year-round E15 sales. As the leading producer of ethanol, Iowa is home to 40 plants and the state’s production of E10 makes up more than 95 percent of gas sales in the nation. More importantly, Iowa corn growers – who’s crop provide more than 50 percent of the total ethanol supply – will also benefit from this new deal as the increased demand for ethanol means an increased demand for corn.
Bottom Line: President Trump and Secretary Perdue continue to deliver for Iowa farmers and ethanol producers. Thanks to their continued support and investment, Iowa’s bio-fuels industry will come out of this pandemic stronger than before.
