(Agri-Pulse Daybreak) China is one of the biggest potential markets for U.S. ethanol, but the country has – at least for now – given up on the idea of increasing its usage of the fuel to reduce air pollution. Chinese ethanol consumption
Trade Policy
Back TO HOMERFA Supports White House Consideration of Reciprocal Tariffs on Imports of Brazilian Ethanol
(Renewable Fuels Association) The Renewable Fuels Association today expressed its support for President Trump’s announcement Monday that his administration is considering reciprocal tariffs on fuel ethanol imports from Brazil. The country’s existing tariff rate quota (TRQ) is set to expire at
August 12, 2020 Read Full Article
Govt Looks at Mixing Biogas with Natural Gas
(PTI/Yahoo! Finance) The government is looking at blending biogas with natural gas to boost domestic availability of biofuels and cut reliance on imports, Oil Secretary Tarun Kapoor said on Monday. 'The gas distribution sector is expanding fast and some percentage has to
August 12, 2020 Read Full Article
Indonesia Picks Up Allies In WTO Palm Fight
(Palm Oil Monitor) Indonesia has picked up a number of allies in its battle with the EU over the bloc’s ban of palm oil in its renewable energy scheme. An additional 18 countries have reserved their rights to participate in the proceedings as
August 11, 2020 Read Full Article
Notice of Determination 2020/005: Anti-subsidy Amounts on Biodiesel Originating in the USA and Consigned from Canada
(UK Department for International Trade) Determination to transition trade remedies measure -- This notice is published under regulation 96(1) of the Trade Remedies (Dumping and Subsidisation) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019. The Secretary of State for International Trade has determined the countervailing duties on biodiesel
August 11, 2020 Read Full Article
Biden Finding Support in Rural America
by Jacqui Fatka (Feedstuffs) Handling of trade and biofuels could be important issues in run for White House. ... Farmers have overwhelmingly supported President Donald Trump over the last four years, but it is voters in the Midwest swing states
August 08, 2020 Read Full Article
COVID-19 Weighs on Ag Economy: Reports Outline Series of Economic Struggles Continue in Agriculture
by Todd Neeley (DTN Progressive Farmer) ... The number of farm bankruptcies continues to rise and a struggling livestock industry is putting increasing pressure on loan portfolios, both adding to concern about the farm economy. ... A University of Illinois Department of
August 06, 2020 Read Full Article
Ag Policy Blog: Ethanol and Politics 2020
by Chris Clayton (DTN Progressive Farmer) Ethanol is undoubtedly playing a role in 2020 politics in Iowa, including the presidential race. Getting the word "ethanol" into the next aid package also might become a tipping scale in the Iowa U.S. Senate race. The
August 05, 2020 Read Full Article
Border Adjustments in a Carbon Tax
by Shuting Pomerleau (Niskanen Center) The paper reviews the principles of border adjustment, the principal design choices policymakers would face when establishing a border adjustment for a carbon tax, and the implications of different design choices. It also provides a
August 04, 2020 Read Full Article
Foreign Affairs Dems Press for Info on Ethanol Tariffs
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) Two top Democrats on the House Foreign Affairs Committee are seeking more information from the U.S. ambassador to Brazil after it was reported that he asked the Brazilian government to reduce ethanol tariffs in
August 03, 2020 Read Full Article
ITA Seeks Nominations for Renewable Energy Advisory Committee DEADLINE July 31, 2020
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration is seeking nominations for members of its Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Advisory Committee. Nominations are due July 31. The committee advises the secretary of commerce regarding the
July 28, 2020 Read Full Article
Biofuels Vision 2020 Announces Ad Blitz on EPA Threat to Biofuels
(Biofuels Vision 2020/Ethanol Producer Magazine) In the run up to the November election, Biofuels Vision 2020 is launching a new ad campaign raising the alarm over a major regulatory threat to the economic recovery in Iowa. The new sizable, five-figure digital ad
July 28, 2020 Read Full Article
Palm Oil Producing Countries See EU’s Farm-to-Fork Strategy as Opportunity to Work Together
by Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In Indonesia, the Secretariat of Council of Palm Oil Producing Countries (CPOPC) acknowledges the statement by the European Commissioner for Trade on behalf of the European Commission in response to parliamentary question E-001194/2020, which may indicate a new willingness by
July 28, 2020 Read Full Article
Indonesia to Test Palm Oil in 'Green' Jet Fuel by Year-End
by Bernadette Christian Munthe and Fathin Ungku (Reuters) ... The new jet fuel will be made in Pertamina’s existing facilities in Cilacap by “co-processing” crude oil with 3% refined, bleached and deodorised palm oil (RBDO), she said. Like Pertamina’s D100, Indonesia plans
July 24, 2020 Read Full Article
Biofuel Marketing Opportunity: ADM Partners with U.S. Soybean Export Council to Earn Export Certification.
(Farm Progress) ADM and one other U.S. exporter have partnered with the U.S. Soybean Export Council to certify U.S. Soy as part of the SSAP-RED (U.S. Soy Sustainability Assurance Protocol-Renewable Energy Directive) program. This voluntary program, with support from the United
July 24, 2020 Read Full Article
In Virtual Hill Visits, RFA Hears from Lawmakers, Administration Officials
(Renewable Fuels Association) The Renewable Fuels Association’s summer Board of Directors meeting concluded Wednesday with more than a dozen virtual Capitol Hill visits. Board members had the chance to hear from senators, House members and administration officials. Discussions covered a broad
July 23, 2020 Read Full Article
The Bolsonaro-Trump Relationship: Costs for Brazilian Values and Interests
by Laís Forti Thomaz and Tullo Vigevani* (AULA Blog/National Institute of Science and Technology for Studies on the United States) New priorities in Brazil-U.S. bilateral relations since President Jair Bolsonaro took office in January 2019 have shifted the country away
July 14, 2020 Read Full Article
Trump's Biofuel, Trade Policies Are the Worst
by David Kruse (The CommStock Report/Spencer Daily Reporter) President Donald Trump has had the worst biofuel and trade policies that I have ever seen and came with the most farm subsidies ever because of it. When elected I thought "well
July 10, 2020 Read Full Article
Ethanol’s Rough 2020 Ride: Trade Wars, COVID-19 and Waivers Alter Its Momentum
by Jennifer M. Latzke (High Plains Journal) ... And still, shortly after Trump’s visit, the EPA granted 31 small refinery waivers from the Renewable Fuels Standard in the fall that would have wiped out any traction that year-round E15 approval
July 06, 2020 Read Full Article
UPDATE 1-Malaysia to File WTO Legal Action against EU over Restrictions on Palm Biofuel
by Mei Mei Chu (Today) Malaysia, the world's second largest palm oil producer, will take legal action against the European Union's restrictions on palm oil-based biofuels with the World Trade Organization (WTO), calling the policy a "discriminatory action". Plantation Industries and Commodities
July 01, 2020 Read Full Article
By Election, Trump Pressures Brazil to Increase Imports of American Ethanol
by Ricardo Della Coletta (Folha de Sao Paulo (Google Translation)) With sector in crisis due to coronavirus, Americans want to end barriers to sell more fuel to the country READ MORE
June 26, 2020 Read Full Article
China's Phase One Promises Could Be Kept With Ethanol
(RFD TV) As producers worry that China is not fulfilling its phase one promise to buy nearly $40 billion dollars in U.S. exports, ethanol groups say that the country could easily make those numbers if they bought more renewable fuels. China
June 24, 2020 Read Full Article
Growth Energy Wants China Ethanol Market Back
by Mark Dorenkamp (Brownfield Ag News) Biofuels groups are tired of ethanol being excluded from China’s phase one purchases.vGrowth Energy senior vice president of global markets Craig Willis says it’s been two years since the Chinese imported ethanol from the U.S. “It
June 22, 2020 Read Full Article
Trump Urged to Ensure Implementation of China Trade Agreement
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Several biofuel producers and trade groups are among the nearly 200 organizations that sent a letter to President Trump on June 16 calling on him to ensure the continued implementation of the U.S.-China Phase One
June 18, 2020 Read Full Article
U.S. Biofuel Group in Talks with Biden, Trump Campaigns to Boost Industry
by Stephanie Kelly (Reuters) A leading U.S. biofuel trade group said on Thursday it had started conversations with the campaigns of both Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden and incumbent Donald Trump to discuss potential policy fixes for the ailing industry. The discussions
June 12, 2020 Read Full Article
Vietnam Reduces Ethanol Tariff Rate
(Feed & Grain/U.S. Grains Council) 5% point reduction on import tariffs is expected to create opportunities for increased ethanol trade -- A five-percent point reduction on import tariffs for ethanol is expected to create opportunities for increased ethanol trade with Vietnam.
June 08, 2020 Read Full Article
American Corn Growers Foundation Tells Farmers to Focus on Ethanol
by Robert Pore (Grand Island Independent) A Wilcox farmer and chairman of the American Corn Growers Foundation said farmers counting on corn exports “has always been a questionable strategy.” “Problematic U.S. trade policy, aimed at China, is attempting to protect
June 08, 2020 Read Full Article
Indonesia Removes Ethanol Ban, Recognizes Octane Benefits Of Ethanol
(U.S. Grains Council) U.S. ethanol can now enter the Indonesian market by way of pre-blended fuel, following the recent removal of a ban on pre-blended product entering the country. This change creates a potential market of more than 200 million gallons
June 01, 2020 Read Full Article
Implementation Agendas: 2018-2019 Update Compare and Contrast Transport Biofuels Policies
by Mahmood Ebadian, James D. McMillan, Jack (John) N. Saddler and Susan van Dyk (University of British Columbia, Canada/National Renewable Energy Laboratory, USA/IEA Bioenergy) Global production and use of transport biofuels Global biofuels production has continued to increase over the last decade,
May 29, 2020 Read Full Article
Brazil Ethanol Lobby Pushes for Fuel Import Ban
(Argus Media) The ethanol lobby in Brazil's lower house of congress is proposing a bill to suspend imports of gasoline, diesel and ethanol for 90 days, after President Jair Bolsonaro rejected calls to raise the gasoline tax. The bill would effectively reduce gasoline
May 15, 2020 Read Full Article
Colombia Imposes Countervailing Tariffs On US Ethanol
by Loren Moss (Finance Colombia) Colombia’s government today announced that it would impose tariffs on ethyl alcohol (ethanol) imports from the United States for the next two years in the amount of 6.646 cents US per kilogram, an amount it says
May 12, 2020 Read Full Article
USTR Report Discusses Barriers to US Exports of Ethanol, DDGS
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative recently issued its 2020 National Trade Estimate, an annual report detailing foreign trade barriers faced by U.S. exporters of goods and services and USTR’s efforts to reduce those
May 11, 2020 Read Full Article
Duties to Stay on Biodiesel from Argentina
(KIWA Radio/National Biodiesel Board) The National Biodiesel Board (NBB) is pleased that the Department of Commerce will keep countervailing duty orders on imports of Argentinian biodiesel. The Commerce Department made the determination after its “changed circumstances review” of the anti-dumping duty.
May 11, 2020 Read Full Article
CORRECTED-European Ethanol Makers Fear Influx from U.S. and Brazil
by Sybille de La Hamaide (Reuters) ... Ethanol consumption slumped globally due to COVID-19 crisis; EU makers fear cheap imports when demand resumes; Called the European Commission for action, possibly tariffs; U.S., Brazilian ethanol exports surged in past months -- An influx
May 08, 2020 Read Full Article
US Green Plains Expects China to Stick to Trade Agreement, Make Ethanol Purchases
by Alex Snodgrass (Independent Commodity Intelligence Services) US ethanol producer Green Plains said it still expects China to stick to the first phase of the US-China trade agreement that requires ethanol purchases. Green Plains remains optimistic about China and their role
May 07, 2020 Read Full Article
Biofuel Giant Sees More Driving Than Before in Post-Pandemic Era
by Isis Almeida (Bloomberg) Ethanol to benefit as people avoid mass transit: Green Plains; For now, biofuel plants have idled as drivers stay home -- There’s light at the end of the tunnel for the battered American ethanol market, according to
May 05, 2020 Read Full Article
USGC Solicits Applications for Ethanol A-Team
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. Grains Council is soliciting applications for seven advisory teams (A-Teams), including the Ethanol A-Team. According to the USGC, A-Team members gain expertise on trade policy and market development topics. In addition, their input helps
April 14, 2020 Read Full Article
EU Renewable Ethanol Producers Inform Commission of Market Challenges during COVID-19
(ePURE) Dramatic shift in demand and possibility of imports could threaten European industry -- European renewable ethanol producers have asked the European Commission to consider addressing challenges that have arisen from shifting market conditions as a result of the COVID-19 health
April 14, 2020 Read Full Article
USGC Engagement Helps US Ethanol Fill Australian Fuel Needs
(Aberdeen News/U.S. Grains Council) U.S. ethanol is helping meet fuel supply needs in Australia — the result of a domestic supply gap and engagement by the U.S. Grains Council (USGC) and its ethanol industry partners. “U.S. ethanol is not subject to tariffs
April 06, 2020 Read Full Article
Biofuels Industry Tackling Challenges
by Susan Reidy (World-Grain.com) Despite a challenging environment, the global biofuels industry is holding steady and driving ahead with new policies, innovations and legislation to promote more robust growth in the future. In the EU, 2020 marks the deadline for certain greenhouse
March 30, 2020 Read Full Article
Focus Forward from Challenge to Opportunity: The Digest’s 2020 Multi-Slide Guide to RFA’s 2020 Ethanol Industry Outlook
y Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The Renewable Fuels Association released its 2020 Ethanol Industry Outlook, an annual publication that provides policymakers, regulators, consumers, the media, and renewable fuel advocates with key statistics, trends, insight, and analysis on the latest developments
March 30, 2020 Read Full Article
Ethanol Prices Hit All-Time Low, Unconfirmed Reports of Plant Shutdowns
by Jerry Perkins (Successful Farming) ... The downturn in demand for ethanol, which is blended at a 10% rate in almost every gallon of gasoline consumed in the U.S., is coming at a time when ethanol plants were already economically
March 18, 2020 Read Full Article
RFA Calls on Trump Administration to Help Struggling Biofuels Industry
by Ken Anderson (Brownfield Ag News) ... With many ethanol plants on the verge of shutting down, we implore the Trump Administration to take action that equitably supports all liquid fuel industries—including ethanol producers—during this time of unprecedented market uncertainty and
March 18, 2020 Read Full Article
Despite Tough Times, Study Finds Ethanol and Biodiesel Production Continues to Power Iowa's Economy
(Iowa Renewable Fuels Association) Economic benefits hampered by RFS exemptions -- Today (March 11, 2020) a new study finds despite challenges, Iowa biofuel production continues to have a significant impact on Iowa’s economy, supporting over 48,000 jobs and more than $2.4
March 13, 2020 Read Full Article
Farm Groups Focus on Trade, Biofuels at Commodity Classic
by Michelle Rook (AgWeek) Leaders of the nation’s top commodity organizations were focused on trade, biofuels and the upcoming crop season at this year’s Commodity Classic in San Antonio. -- ...U.S. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue told farmers at Commodity Classic that
March 10, 2020 Read Full Article
China Starts to Reopen Gates to US Ethanol
by Donovan Lim (S&P Global Platts) China will offer tariff exemptions of nearly 700 types of goods from the US, including fuel ethanol, the Chinese government announced Tuesday, but traders are currently uncertain about its impact on future imports. ... Ethanol sources
February 18, 2020 Read Full Article
New Study: Despite Policy Challenges, Ethanol Industry Significantly Benefited Economy in 2019
(Renewable Fuels Association) Policy obstacles—especially ongoing trade disputes and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s granting of RFS compliance waivers to dozens of small refineries —dampened the U.S. ethanol industry’s economic contributions in 2019, according to a new study released today at
February 13, 2020 Read Full Article
UNICA Highlights Importance of Ethanol to Check Air Pollution
(New Kerala) The Brazilian Sugarcane Industry Association (UNICA) on Thursday announced the launch of #BringBackMyBlueSky campaign to highlight the benefits of ethanol in India. The campaign was unveiled at the Auto Expo 2020 in Greater Noida. As part of this launch,
February 07, 2020 Read Full Article
The U.S. Is Not Energy Independent
by Amy Harder (Axios Generate) A short new Energy Information Administration report provides a breakdown that's useful in light of all the discussion these days about the U.S. energy posture. Driving the news: The report shows that while late last year the U.S. became a consistent
February 07, 2020 Read Full Article
Policy Swings Shutter Iowa's Biodiesel Plants
by Marc Heller (E&E News) Fifteen years ago, farmers produced so much soybean oil they couldn't figure out what to with it all. It was good for cooking and salad dressing — and not much more. "We were throwing it away," recalled
February 07, 2020 Read Full Article
Paraguayan Government Grants ‘Free Zone Regime’ for Omega Green Biofuel Plant
(Biofuels International) The government of Paraguay has recently granted a Free Zone regime for the Omega Green project, which is being touted as the first advanced biofuels plant in the southern hemisphere. The facility, which will be built by ECB
February 06, 2020 Read Full Article
Teresa Kok to Engage Europe on Direction of Malaysian Oil Palm Industry
(The Edge Markets/Bernama) Malaysia will engage four European countries next week on the direction of the Malaysian oil palm industry, to address the widespread anti-palm oil campaign in the continent. Primary Industries Minister Teresa Kok said she would expound on the four
February 05, 2020 Read Full Article
Ethanol Production in the Philippines Expected to Increase
by Matt Thompson (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The USDA’s Foreign Agriculture Service’s annual biofuels report for the Philippines says the country is poised to produce more ethanol in 2019 and 2020 than it did in 2018. The increase, the report says, is
February 03, 2020 Read Full Article
Energy Ministry Keen to Maintain Subsidies for Biofuels
(Bangkok Post) The Energy Ministry plans to revoke the seven-year time frame for terminating the subsidies for biofuels, expecting to amend the State Oil Fund Act of 2019 within two years. Viraphol Jirapraditkul, director of the Energy Fund Administration Institute (EFAI), said Energy
January 31, 2020 Read Full Article
Indonesia's Pertamina Ends Deal with Italy's Eni for Palm Oil Fuel Project -Pertamina CEO
by Wilda Asmarini (Reuters) Indonesia state energy company PT Pertamina has ended a partnership with Italian oil, gas and power firm Eni SpA to process palm oil into fuel, Pertamina’s chief executive told a parliamentary committee on Wednesday. Pertamina’s Nicke Widyawati said during
January 31, 2020 Read Full Article
'It Damages Machines': PLN Averse to Pure Palm Oil in Its Diesel Power Plants
by Norman Harsono (Jakarta Post) Over the past five years, state-owned electricity company PLN has been intensifying the use of palm oil in its diesel-fired power plants but, going forward, the company is intent on slowing down usage out of technical
January 31, 2020 Read Full Article
Europe’s Plans for a Carbon Tax Could Derail Trade Deal with the US
by Silvia Amaro (CNBC) -The European Union is assessing whether to implement a carbon border tax, which would hit importers from countries that do not respect climate goals. -U.S. officials have already raised concerns about such plans, arguing they could
January 28, 2020 Read Full Article
India, Brazil Agree to Boost Ties in IT, Biofuel and Mining
by Ashok Sharma (Federal News Network/Associated Press) India and Brazil agreed Saturday to boost trade and investment across a range of fields such as defense, mining, biofuel, cybersecurity, food, the environment and health. India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded Brazil as
January 27, 2020 Read Full Article
Klobuchar Pledges to Roll Back Refinery Exemptions if Elected
by John Herath (Farm Journal Ag Web) If elected president, Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) plans to immediately roll back all of the small refinery exemptions made to the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS). Klobuchar made the pledge on the AgriTalk Radio
January 24, 2020 Read Full Article
Palm Oil Prices to Climb 17.9% in 2020 on Tight Supplies, Biodiesel Programs: Reuters Poll
by Mei Mei Chu (Reuters) Average palm oil prices will surge 17.9% this year, a Reuters poll of industry participants showed, as reduced output in the first half of the year and higher biodiesel consumption in top producers Indonesia and Malaysia
January 22, 2020 Read Full Article
Heard on the Floor: Alleluias and Vision 2020 at the National Biodiesel Conference
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) ... They have been three years in the valley of the shadow of Death, and have emerged on the other side with huge wins in recent weeks on tax credits, progress on Argentine and China
January 22, 2020 Read Full Article
Why Ethanol Endures as Important Market for Midwestern Farmers
by Jim Spencer and Mike Hughlett (Star Tribune) The biofuel's intended uses for energy independence and greenhouse gas reduction have become matters of debate. But no one questions its political clout, economic importance or staying power. -- ... Janet McCabe is
January 20, 2020 Read Full Article
Senate Passes USMCA
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. Senate passed legislation implementing the revised U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade agreement on Jan. 16 by a vote of 89 to 10. The legislation will now be sent to President Trump for his signature. The USMCA trade
January 17, 2020 Read Full Article
Oil Giant Eni Fined €5m for Deceiving Consumers over Its ‘Green’ Diesel
(Government Europa) Italian regulators today (January 15, 2020) fined Italy’s oil giant Eni over advertisements on TV and in newspapers, digital media and petrol stations that falsely claimed Eni Diesel+ was ‘green’. The watchdog states that the marketing campaign deceives consumers
January 16, 2020 Read Full Article
USDA Under Secretary Bullish on Ethanol
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) As China announced a suspension of its ethanol mandate last week, Under Secretary of Agriculture for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Ted McKinney said he remains bullish on expanding exports for the fuel, despite the trade challenges. “Ethanol
January 14, 2020 Read Full Article
Jokowi Says EU Palm Oil Restrictions Are 'Act of Trade War'
by Telly Nathalia (Jakarta Globe) he European Union had provoked a "trade war" by issuing discriminative restrictions on Indonesian palm oil, President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo tweeted on Saturday. "Indonesia has 13 million hectares of oil palm plantations that produce 46 million tons
January 14, 2020 Read Full Article
Brazil Sees U.S. Ban on Beef Imports as Ethanol Payback
by Simone Preissler Iglesias Samy Adghirni (Bloomberg Quint) Washington will likely take time to lift a ban on Brazilian fresh-beef imports amid frustration at the South American country’s decision to keep quotas on tariff-free imports of U.S. ethanol, according to people
January 13, 2020 Read Full Article
China Announced Ethanol Mandate Rollback
(Hoosier Ag Today/NAFB News Service) China this week announced a suspension of its ethanol mandate, signaling a further reduction of imports from the United States. The E10 target was suspended because China says, “any promotion of ethanol-gasoline must be based on
January 13, 2020 Read Full Article
China's Resumption of US Ethanol Imports by No Means Likely Despite Phase One Deal
by Donavan Lim (S&P Global Platts) US exports to China unviable even if tariffs return to pre-tension levels; Philippines' fuel ethanol imports to fall further; South Korea's imports from Pakistan to dry up in Q1 -- An easing of trade tensions between the
January 06, 2020 Read Full Article
The RFA 2020 Out-In List
(Renewable Fuels Association) RFAEditor’s Note: In keeping with a long-standing RFA holiday tradition, our very own Senior Strategic Advisor offers his views on what is on the way “out” as we turn our calendars to 2020 and what will be
January 03, 2020 Read Full Article
Cutting Edge Funding: The Digest’s 2019 Multi-Slide Guide to Debt and Equity Financing Mechanisms for Bioeconomy Projects
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Money, money, money – a growing bioeconomy needs lots of it. But with so many challenges like a lack of certainty in government programs or a perceived lack of funds at the company and project levels,
January 02, 2020 Read Full Article
An Opportunity to Focus Forward
by Geoff Cooper (Renewable Fuels Association/Ethanol Producer Magazine) ... I do remain bullish, because I believe in ethanol. It’s the right fuel at the right time—and for the time to come. It’s the low-carbon, low-cost fuel America and the world
December 31, 2019 Read Full Article
Report Discusses Japan’s Ethanol Demand, Use
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) A report recently filed with the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service’s Global Agricultural Information Network provides insight into Japan’s fuel market and shows potential for increased imports of U.S. ethanol. According to the report, Japan’s annual biofuel
December 31, 2019 Read Full Article
Advanced Biofuels – Where Are the Gallons?
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) From what is an advanced biofuel to why, we take a look at the gallons, the ethanol blend wall, the residue capacity, and over 30 advanced biofuels projects from around the world to watch. In today’s Digest,
December 27, 2019 Read Full Article
Palm and PME Ride a Crest of Optimism into 2020
by Donavan Lim (S&P Global Platts) Indonesian PME exports to sink; CPO production stalls; B30 to support consumption -- Analysts and traders fixated on the elevated crude palm oil stockpile at the beginning of 2019 are left cheering as CPO stocks fell across
December 27, 2019 Read Full Article
European Liquor off the Menu in Indonesia as Trade Row Escalates
by Ed Davies and Philip Blenkinsop (Reuters/Jakarta Post) What started as a spat with the European Union over Indonesian palm oil has escalated into a far broader trade dispute with imported European spirits and now dairy products caught in the crossfire. Trade
December 26, 2019 Read Full Article
Standards Alliance Organizes Workshop on Biofuel Standards for Household Cooking and Transportation
(American National Standards Institute) The American National Standards Institute (ANSI), through its public-private partnership with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the Standards Alliance, organized a one-day workshop on biofuel standards for household cooking and transportation in Maputo, Mozambique, on November 14, 2019. This
December 24, 2019 Read Full Article
Economics, Expectations and Exports
by Lisa Gibson (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Ethanol Producer Magazine talked to three experts about the past year, and what they see moving into 2020. -- 2019 brought a Reid vapor pressure waiver for E15, but it also brought excessive small
December 24, 2019 Read Full Article
House Passes Reworked North American Trade Deal in Victory for Trump, Democrats
by Erica Werner (Washington Post) The bill passed by a vote of 385 to 41 and is expected to pass the Senate early next year. -- The House of Representatives voted Thursday in favor of a new trade deal for
December 20, 2019 Read Full Article
Ethanol Report on 2019: RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper Bids Farewell to a Bad Year
(AgNewsWire) To say 2019 has been a rough year for the ethanol industry would be an understatement. Renewable Fuels Association president and CEO Geoff Cooper says it was one of the worst years - if not the worst - the industry
December 20, 2019 Read Full Article
Trump Administration to Stick with 2020 Biofuel Plan over Farmer Objections: Sources
by Stephanie Kelly (Reuters/Investing.com) The White House will stick with its current proposal on 2020 biofuel blending requirements, despite anger in Farm Country that the plan does too little for corn growers, according to two sources familiar with the matter. The issue
December 18, 2019 Read Full Article
China Plans to Buy Ethanol, Count Hong Kong Trade in U.S. Pledge
(Bloomberg) Beijing plans to lift trade war tariffs on ethanol, people say; Re-routing trade from Hong Kong could add around $10 billion-- Further details are emerging on how China would increase imports from the U.S. by as much as $200
December 17, 2019 Read Full Article
How Ethanol Plant Shutdowns Deepen Pain for U.S. Corn Farmers
by Mark Weinraub and Stephanie Kelly (Reuters) ... (Indiana farmer Paul) Hodgen’s troubles reflect the increasing difficulties faced by America’s corn farmers as a meltdown in the ethanol industry hits the corn market – adding strains to farmers already facing poor
December 13, 2019 Read Full Article
EU Weighs Tariffs to Enforce Climate Rules
by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) European countries are threatening to impose tariffs on goods from countries like the United States that have failed to match their climate change policies. ... A PAGE OUT OF THE TRUMP PROTECTIONIST PLAYBOOK:
December 12, 2019 Read Full Article
Trade Association Leaders Plead for Congress to Act on Tax Extenders
(Ohio's Country Journal) Executives from 11 national trade associations sent a letter to House and Senate leaders, highlighting the urgent need for Congress to extend the expired biodiesel tax incentive before the end of the year. The association executives state in the
December 11, 2019 Read Full Article
Growth Energy Hails Announcement of USMCA Deal
(Growth Energy) Today, Growth Energy, the nation’s largest ethanol association, hailed the announcement of a long-awaited deal on the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) on trade. The USMCA modernizes the previous trade pact, strengthens the trade relationship between these North American nations, and
December 10, 2019 Read Full Article
Australia, U.S., to Cooperate on Critical Minerals, Rare Earths
(U.S. News and World Report/Reuters) Australia and the United States will support projects to develop critical minerals and rare earths, an Australian government minister said on Wednesday (November 20, 2019), signaling deeper cooperation in a market dominated by Chinese supplies. Australian
December 09, 2019 Read Full Article
EU Hits Indonesian Biodiesel with Import Duties over Subsidies
by Philip Blenkinsop (Reuters) The European Union confirmed tariffs on Indonesian biodiesel imports on Monday to counter what it sees as unfair subsidies, the latest blow to producers after the bloc ruled that palm oil should be phased out of renewable
December 09, 2019 Read Full Article
Japan Trade Agreement Expands Market Access For U.S. Coarse Grains, Co-Products
(U.S. Grains Council) As the ink dries on the final signatures needed for the new U.S.-Japan Trade Agreement, the U.S. Grains Council (USGC) is celebrating improved access to the Japanese market and more than 50 years of partnership with one of
December 06, 2019 Read Full Article
USGC: Roadshow Finds Iberian Market Potential for DDGS, Sorghum
(U.S. Grains Council/Ethanol Producer Magazine) With six members along to share their expertise, the U.S. Grains Council conducted a robust, week-long roadshow through Spain and Portugal in October to promote U.S. sorghum and containerized dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) to
December 03, 2019 Read Full Article
Report: Thailand Could Benefit from Ethanol Imports
by Matt Thompson (Ethanol Producer Magazine) A recently released report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service says that while Thailand has relied on domestic ethanol production, the country could benefit from importing ethanol and other biofuels. While the country
December 03, 2019 Read Full Article
Commerce Min Turns down US Proposal to Reduce Import Duty on Ethanol
by Preeti Bhagat and Sampad Nandy (Cogencis) he commerce ministry has turned down a request by the US to reduce the import duty on de-natured ethanol entering the country to protect the domestic sugar and potable industry, as well as farmers,
December 03, 2019 Read Full Article
After Five-Month Road Test, B30 Implementation Gets Green Light
by Norman Harsono (Jakarta Post) Biodiesel industry stakeholders have completed a five-month road test, whereby 11 vehicles were driven up to 50,000 kilometers using 30 percent blended biodiesel (B30), as the government is set to mandate the biofuel usage starting early
December 02, 2019 Read Full Article
ACE Urges EPA to Get RFS Back on Track
(American Coalition for Ethanol) The American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) submitted comments today to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on its proposed supplemental rulemaking to the 2020 Renewable Volume Obligations (RVOs) under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). ACE CEO Brian Jennings detailed three areas
November 29, 2019 Read Full Article
Raizen Q&A: RenovaBio, Brazilian Corn Ethanol and the Importance of Alternative Markets
by Jacques Moss (knect365) Paulo Corte-Real Neves is Ethanol & Oil Products Trading Director at Raizen, a leading Brazilian sugarcane producer jointly owned by Cosan and Royal Dutch Shell. We sat down with him at the World Ethanol & Biofuels conference to
November 26, 2019 Read Full Article
Farm Credit Head: Stabilize Ethanol, Pass USMCA
(The Fence Post/The Hagstrom Report) Farmers need the Trump administration to stabilize the biofuels market and Congress to approve the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement on trade, Farm Credit Administration Chairman and CEO Glen Smith told the House Agriculture Commodity Exchanges, Energy and Credit
November 21, 2019 Read Full Article
Iowa Poll: Despite State Impacts, Registered Republicans Approve of How Trump Has Handled Trade with China
by Donnelle Eller (Des Moines Register) Three-fourths of Iowa's registered Republicans back President Donald Trump’s approach to trade with China, and half say his tariffs have done more to help than harm Iowa agribusiness, a new Des Moines Register/CNN/Mediacom Iowa Poll shows. The
November 21, 2019 Read Full Article
Sec. Perdue Comments on Ethanol and SREs
by Chuck Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) During a visit to the National Association of Farm Broadcasting (NAFB) annual convention on Friday, Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue was asked about EPA’s supplemental proposal to account for small refinery exemptions and to address the concerns of the
November 19, 2019 Read Full Article
Senate Democrats Assail Trump’s $16B Bailout for Farmers
by Steve Karnowski (Associated Press/ABC News) President Donald Trump’s $16 billion bailout package for farmers hurt by the trade war with China unfairly benefits the South at the expense of the North and wealthy producers over smaller farms, Democratic senators
November 13, 2019 Read Full Article
Chinese Demand Heats up Brazil’s Ethanol Industry
by Sarita Reed and Vincius Fontana (Future Fuel Strategies/China Dialogue) There are 332 million cars on the road in China, more than anywhere in the world. Most run on pure petrol, but from next year Chinese fuel companies will add 10% ethanol,
November 13, 2019 Read Full Article
Canola at the Pumps? Farmers Want Alberta to Increase Biofuel Requirements
by Amanda Stephenson (Calgary Herald) Alberta's canola farmers are lobbying the province to mandate the use of more biofuels, a move they say would help the environment and boost the domestic market for their crop. Alberta oil usually comes from
November 11, 2019 Read Full Article
How Big Ethanol Plans Will Rock Global Corn and Sugar Markets
(Gro Intelligence) ... Today, a record amount of ethanol is produced globally, and expectations are for further growth as three of the world’s largest ethanol producing countries move ahead with expansion plans. US proposals, which are aimed at shoring up demand
November 08, 2019 Read Full Article
Growth Energy Official Speaks at World Energy and Biofuels Event
(Growth Energy/Ethanol Producer Magazine) At the World Ethanol and Biofuels Event in Brussels, Growth Energy Senior Vice President of Global Markets Craig Willis took the stage to share his insight into the global markets landscape and provide an update on steps the United States
November 07, 2019 Read Full Article
For Trump, Hints of Trouble in Ethanol Country
by Art Cullen (Storm Lake Times/Washington Post) ... (J.D.) Scholten, a 39-year-old former semi-pro pitcher, was out on a 14-county “Don’t Forget About Us Tour” targeting Iowa towns of 1,000 people or fewer in his uphill climb against Rep. Steve
November 05, 2019 Read Full Article
Buttigieg Says There’s Real Cost to Trump’s Broken RFS Promises
by Bob Fisher (KGLO/Radio Iowa) Democratic presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg says President Trump isn’t keeping his promises to Iowa’s agricultural community when it comes to the Renewable Fuels Standard. “Actions speak louder than words and the president says he cares about farmers,
November 05, 2019 Read Full Article
Joint Statement from RFA, U.S. Grains Council and Growth Energy on Brazil’s Ethanol Tariff Rate Quota
(Renewable Fuels Association) The Renewable Fuels Association, U.S. Grains Council and Growth Energy expressed their disappointment with the news that the Brazilian government amended the recent August 31st rule that raised the quota on U.S. ethanol imports under the tariff rate
October 24, 2019 Read Full Article
One Issue that Unites Republicans and DFLers in Minnesota? Biofuels
by Walker Orenstein (Twin Cities Business) Minnesota lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have come out in support of ethanol and biodiesel, which they believe could help boost agriculture and reduce carbon emissions. -- In turbulent times for trade-dependent corn
October 23, 2019 Read Full Article
Volatility in the Ethanol Market Could Increase - Archer-Daniels-Midland Suffers with the Agricultural Sector
by Andrew Hecht (Seeking Alpha) Summary: Lots of action in ethanol since the 2018 low. Liquidity declines in the biofuel. The trade war impacts ethanol - a policy decision fails to keep a promise. The falling Brazilian currency is also
October 22, 2019 Read Full Article
Does Security of Supply Drive Key Biofuel Markets in Asia?
(International Energy Agency) Replacing a portion of gasoline and diesel demand with biofuels is a means of increasing a country’s domestic fuel supply -- Improving security of supply is a fundamental reason for the introduction of biofuel policy support in China,
October 22, 2019 Read Full Article
USDA Deputy Secretary Speaks at Global Ethanol Summit
by Matt Thompson (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Stephen Censky, deputy secretary of the USDA, delivered a keynote address during the second day of the Global Ethanol Summit on Tuesday in Washington, D.C. ... He also spoke to the efficiencies that U.S.
October 18, 2019 Read Full Article
Mexican Delegation Views Ethanol Industry in Grand Island Area
by Robert Pore (The Grand Island Independent) A group of visitors from Mexico were in Grand Island Thursday to see the area’s ethanol production. The 22 visitors represent various aspects of the ethanol industry in Mexico. They were in Grand Island to
October 18, 2019 Read Full Article
Iowa Farm Leaders Warn Trump Could Lose Rural Voters unless He Makes Good on Ethanol Deal
by Donnelle Eller (Des Moines Register) Angry over proposed ethanol changes, Iowa agriculture leaders warned Wednesday that President Donald Trump will lose rural voters next year unless he makes good on a deal to restore millions of gallons of lost renewable fuel demand. "No more
October 18, 2019 Read Full Article
EU Parliament Unfazed by Trade Fight over Palm Biofuel Phase-Out
by Hans Nicholas Jong (Mongabay.com/Eco-Business) A European member of parliament says the bloc isn’t concerned about threats by Indonesia and Malaysia to file a trade complaint over an EU policy to phase out palm oil-based biofuels by 2030. The two Southeast
October 15, 2019 Read Full Article
First Global Ethanol Summit Begins in Washington, DC
by Matt Thompson (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The first Global Ethanol Summit, sponsored by the U.S. Grains Council, Growth Energy and the Renewable Fuels Association, kicked off in Washington, D.C., on Oct. 14 with presentations from Ryan LeGrand, president and CEO of
October 15, 2019 Read Full Article
Indonesia Set to Face, Sue Europe over Renewable Energy Policies
(Antara News) The Indonesian government will prepare to take legal action at the World Trade Organization (WTO) to challenge the European Union (EU) over its Renewable Energy Directive II (RED II) and Delegated Regulation (DR). The lawsuit plan was rolled out
October 10, 2019 Read Full Article
UK Tweaks Tariffs Amid No-Deal Brexit Countdown
by Kate Proctor and Lisa O'Carroll (The Guardian) Adjustments made for duties on trucks, bioethanol and clothing in effort to keep prices down -- The government has announced changes to British tariffs on lorries, bioethanol and clothing in the event of
October 09, 2019 Read Full Article
President Trump Delivers on a Key Promise to American Farmers as EPA, USDA Announce Agreement on Promoting Biofuels
(Environmental Protection Agency) Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Andrew Wheeler and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Sonny Perdue issued the following statements after President Donald J. Trump successfully negotiated an agreement on the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS): “President Trump’s leadership
October 04, 2019 Read Full Article
Cruel Summer
by Ron Kotrba (Biodiesel Magazine) A series of unfortunate events this summer—all caused by U.S. government action or inaction—has led to a precarious situation in the biodiesel sector, but there may be a silver lining. -- ... The volume of
October 02, 2019 Read Full Article
NBB, ASA Ask Commerce Secretary Ross for Meeting Before Final Decision on Argentine Biodiesel Duty Rates
(National Biodiesel Board) Letter says Commerce must make the right decision, rather than a hurried decision -- Today (September 30, 2019), the National Biodiesel Board (NBB) and American Soybean Association (ASA) sent a letter to Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross, requesting
October 02, 2019 Read Full Article
Farm-State Fury Creates Pressure for Trump as Trade, Energy Pain Collide
by David J. Lynch (Washington Post) ... After two decades, Siouxland (Energy Cooperative) this month halted operations following the Environmental Protection Agency’s decision to exempt 31 small oil refiners from a federal law requiring them to blend ethanol in their
October 02, 2019 Read Full Article
How U.S. Fossil Fuels Are Tied to Ukraine and Impeachment
by Scott Waldman and Benjamin Storrow (E&E News) Ukraine, now at the center of a rapidly accelerating impeachment inquiry against President Trump, has been central to the president's efforts to increase U.S. exports of fossil fuels. The Eastern European nation sits
October 01, 2019 Read Full Article
American Farmers Benefit from US-Japan Trade Agreement
by Mario Parker (Transport Topics/Bloomberg News) ... Japan will reduce tariffs in stages on U.S. farm goods, such as beef and pork, USTR said in a statement Sept 25. The country will eliminate tariffs on $1.3 billion of U.S. agriculture
September 26, 2019 Read Full Article
Large Groups Investing to Expand Ethanol Capacity in Brazil: Unica
by Marcelo Teixeira (Reuters) Large companies operating in the sugar and ethanol sector in Brazil are investing to expand capacity to produce the biofuel, due to the continuing strong local demand and low global sugar prices, said an executive from a
September 17, 2019 Read Full Article
Daily on Energy: How the US Could Get Caught up in a ‘Carbon Trade War’
by Josh Siegel & Abby Smith (Washington Examiner) ... Readers are probably familiar with the concept of the U.S. imposing “border carbon adjustments” on other countries. This has been a regular feature of carbon tax proposals in Congress and a component of
September 13, 2019 Read Full Article
Collaboration Focus Of U.S. Ethanol Presence At Asia Pacific Petroleum Conference
(U.S. Grains Council) U.S. Grains Council (USGC) staff, consultants and members attending the Asia Pacific Petroleum Conference (APPEC) in Singapore this week found reason for enthusiasm for ethanol’s future in the region. “This is the first time the Council has participated in
September 13, 2019 Read Full Article
APPEC: US Ethanol Exports Slow as Producers Diversify away from China
by Donavan Lim and Yi Jeng Huang (S&P Gobal Platts) US ethanol exports are forecast to fall around 100 million gallons year on year to 1.5 billion gallons in 2019 as trade flows redirects away from China toward Southeast Asia
September 13, 2019 Read Full Article
U.S. Ethanol Exports Are the Fastest Growing U.S. Agricultural Export
(U.S. Grains Council) An analysis by the U.S. Grains Council (USGC) showed that non-beverage ethanol has been the fastest growing U.S. agricultural export over the past five years, an achievement supported by Council and ethanol industry programming to promote import-facilitating policy
September 11, 2019 Read Full Article
Hopes High Red and White Catalyst Will Boost Biofuel Production
(The Jakarta Post/Portal Macaúba) Coordinating Economic Minister Darmin Nasution has urged researchers to complete a study on a new chemical catalyst expected to become a key ingredient in ramping up domestic biofuel production. Pertamina Research and Technology Center – owned state-owned oil
September 11, 2019 Read Full Article
Many U.S. Farmers Fume at Washington, Not Trump, over Biofuel, Trade Policies
by P.J. Huffstutter and Tom Polansek (Reuters) ... Many farmers are angry, and some are directing their anger not at the Republican president, but at Washington’s bureaucracy. Trump has faced backlash from agricultural groups, ethanol producers and Midwestern politicians upset that
September 10, 2019 Read Full Article
QUOTE OF THE WEEK -- Humeyra Pamuk and Jarrett Renshaw (Reuters)
According to Reuters' reporters Humeyra Pamuk and Jarrett Renshaw, Terry Branstad, the former Iowa governor and now U.S. ambassador to China, showed a map of counties that had flipped in Trump’s favor in 2016 but were now considered at risk
September 06, 2019 Read Full Article
Trump in High-Stakes Balancing Act between Oil and Corn ahead of 2020 Bid
by Humeyra Pamuk and Jarrett Renshaw (Reuters) At a closed-door meeting at the White House on Aug. 19, President Donald Trump looked increasingly alarmed as his top envoy to China delivered evidence of rising Farm Belt frustration over his biofuel policy
September 06, 2019 Read Full Article
Politico's 2020 Tracker: 2020 Candidates Views on Energy, Environment & Climate Change
(Politico) ... All of the candidates have embraced a target of “net-zero” emissions by 2050 or earlier, and they all propose spending trillions of dollars over the next decade to get there. But many plans are fuzzy on where the money
September 06, 2019 Read Full Article
Petroleum Industry Warns Trump It Will Fight Ethanol Moves
by Dave Boyer (The Washington Times) A leading trade group for the petroleum industry warned President Trump on Tuesday to ditch his plan to boost ethanol production, saying it would be a “disastrous political decision.” ... He (Frank Macchiarola, a vice
September 05, 2019 Read Full Article
UPDATE 1-Brazil Increases Quota for Tariff-Free Ethanol Imports, but for Only One Year
by Luciano Costa and Jake Spring (Reuters) Brazil has renewed and increased the size of its tariff-free quota for ethanol imports, but the new allotment will last only one year instead of the two years allocated to the former quota that
September 03, 2019 Read Full Article
Brazil Sets Sights on China's Ethanol Market, but High Volumes Unlikely
by Marcelo Teixeira (Reuters) Brazil’s ethanol industry is looking to grab a chunk of China’s ethanol market as the Asian nation targets a 10% blend in gasoline to improve air quality, but a short-term jump in exports is unlikely, according
September 01, 2019 Read Full Article
Trump Teases Work on Policy Package to Boost Ethanol
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) President Donald Trump issued a tweet Aug. 29 suggesting his administration is working on a “giant package” to boost demand for ethanol. He did not indicate what the timeframe for the release of that
September 01, 2019 Read Full Article
Election Campaigns Can Boost Role of Agriculture in Combating a Changing Climate
(Solutions from the Land) Rural America drew a considerable amount of attention in the last presidential election. President Trump won the White House in large part due to the support he received from voters in this nation's vast non-metropolitan areas.
August 28, 2019 Read Full Article
Iowa Corn Farmers to Trump: The Government Put Us in 'One Hell of a Bad Situation'
by Tal Axelrod (The Hill) The Iowa Corn Growers Association (ICGA) blasted the Trump administration on Tuesday, saying the government has put it in “one hell of a bad situation.” The trade association hammered President Trump for approving what it called 31 “unjustified” refinery waivers
August 28, 2019 Read Full Article
Klobuchar: In First 100 Days as President, Pledges Moratorium on Oil Refinery Waivers, Restoration of Renewable Fuels Tax Credit and More
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Klobuchar says “I will stop the oil refinery waivers”: In Iowa, US Senator Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota said that, if elected President in 2020, would in her first 100 days in office order a moratorium on oil
August 28, 2019 Read Full Article
China to Boost Ethanol Import Tariffs another 10% on December 15
by Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In China, Reuters reports that as part of another $75 billion in tariffs on US imports in the latest round of the on-going trade war, as of December 15 US-origin ethanol will face an additional 10%
August 27, 2019 Read Full Article
ACE Conference: USGC Optimistic about Future of Ethanol Exports
by Matt Thompson (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The American Coalition for Ethanol kicked off its annual conference in Omaha today. While there was some discussion of the state of the industry and the harm done by small refinery exemptions, there were also
August 24, 2019 Read Full Article
Wound up over Waivers
by Alex Guillén (Politico's Morning Energy) EPA's internal watchdog is being asked to determine how the agency decided to grant the vast majority of exemptions from the Renewable Fuel Standard that oil refiners have requested. EPA approved 31 petitions for waivers
August 21, 2019 Read Full Article
Dems Fear another Rural Wipeout Will Reelect Trump
By Elena Schneider and Catherine Boudreau (Politico) Pitches by some 2020 candidates aren’t yet translating into a broad conversation about the needs of rural voters. -- As Democratic presidential candidates descended on the Iowa State Fair, a plane buzzed overhead, an
August 20, 2019 Read Full Article
Trade Dispute Affecting Ethanol Production in Midwest
by Andy Knight (The Herald Bulletin) Officials with POET Biorefining in Alexandria are monitoring the ongoing trade dispute between the United States and China, which has resulted in significant tariffs on U.S. ethanol shipments to that country. POET employs more than 40
August 16, 2019 Read Full Article
In Iowa, Candidates Are Talking About Farming's Climate Change Connections Like No Previous Election
by Georgina Gustin (Inside Climate News) About half the candidates have policy proposals or statements addressing climate change impacts on agriculture or farming's potential as a climate solution. ... They also brought an unprecedented focus on agriculture's connections with climate change—an issue that's
August 16, 2019 Read Full Article
Trump Intervention Triggered EPA's Surprise Biofuel Waiver Decision: Sources
by Humeyra Pamuk (Reuters) A phone call from U.S. President Donald Trump last week ended a nearly two-month-long review of the nation’s biofuels program, three sources familiar with the matter said, with the White House siding in favor of oil refiners over
August 16, 2019 Read Full Article
RFA to Australia: Choose Ethanol, Not Petroleum Reserve
(Renewable Fuels Association) In a letter sent today (August 15, 2019), the Renewable Fuels Association encouraged Australia’s energy minister to strongly consider U.S. ethanol imports as a cleaner, more affordable alternative to purchasing oil from the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve. According
August 16, 2019 Read Full Article
Report: India to Use, Produce a Record Volume of Ethanol in 2019
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) A report recently filed with the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service’s Global Agricultural Information Network shows the average ethanol blend rate in India is expected to reach a record 5.8 percent this year, up from the
August 15, 2019 Read Full Article
Iowa Farmers Stick With Trump Despite Trade War
by John McCormick and Jesse Naranjo (Wall Street Journal) ... “He’s doing the right thing,” said Leo Balk, a fifth-generation farmer who raises corn, soybeans, oats, beef and dairy cows on about 300 acres near New Hampton, Iowa. “It hurts, but
August 15, 2019 Read Full Article
Chinese Demand Heats up Brazil’s Ethanol Industry
by Sarita Reed and Vinicius Fontana (China Dialogue) Adding ethanol to Chinese petrol will decrease emissions but could worsen Brazil’s deforestation -- There are 332 million cars on the road in China, more than anywhere in the world. Most run