(Agence France Presses/ RTL Today) Indonesia's trade minister Friday threatened to impose higher tariffs on EU dairy imports in response to the bloc's proposed move to hit biodiesel made from palm oil with anti-subsidy duties. The warning could escalate a trade dispute
Trade Policy
Back TO HOMEJokowi Wants 30% Biodiesel in Cars as Soon as January Next Year
by Marchio Irfan Gorbiano (Jakarta Post) President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo said he wanted to increase the portion of diesel blended with crude palm oil (CPO) from the current 20 percent ( B20 ) to 30 percent ( B30 ) starting January next
August 13, 2019 Read Full Article
USGC Team Explores Ethanol Potential for Latin America U.S. Grains Council
(U.S. Grains Council/Farm Forum) ... This goal of enabling expanded conversations on ethanol blending is why the U.S. Grains Council (USGC) organized a trade team in July to connect representatives from national refineries, ministries of energy and other key stakeholders
August 12, 2019 Read Full Article
Planned Anti-Subsidy Duties on Palm Oil Methyl Ester Ineffective
(Union zur Förderung von Oel- und Proteinpflanzen (UFOP)) The preliminary anti-subsidy duties announced by the EU Commission will not reduce imports of palm oil-based biodiesel. This is the conclusion the Union zur Förderung von Oel- und Proteinpflanzen (UFOP) has drawn from
August 12, 2019 Read Full Article
China Dismisses Trump Agri Purchase Claim, Says Honouring Pledges; NDRC Says Claims China Not Buying US Agri Products 'Groundless'
by Hallie Gu and Tom Daly (Reuters/Zawya) Beijing is honouring its pledges to buy U.S. agricultural products, state media cited China's state planning body saying, dismissing an accusation from U.S. President Donald Trump that it had not met purchasing promises in
August 07, 2019 Read Full Article
China Confirms It Is Suspending Agricultural Product Purchases in Response to Trump’s New Tariffs
by Kate Rooney (CNBC) A spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Commerce says Chinese companies have stopped purchasing U.S. agricultural products in response to President Trump’s new 10% tariffs on $300 billion of Chinese goods. “This is a serious violation of the
August 06, 2019 Read Full Article
Brazil Considers Dropping Barriers to U.S. Ethanol
by Rachel Gamarski and Fabiana Batista (Bloomberg) Decision may be taken before tax-free quota expires end-August; Any tariff on U.S. ethanol would hurt bilateral trade talks -- As China turns its back on American ethanol in a lingering trade spat, Brazil is considering
August 06, 2019 Read Full Article
China’s Ethanol Goals Could See Big Increase in Demand
by Sean Pratt (Western Producer) An analyst doesn’t think China will delay implementing its E10 policy until there is adequate domestic capacity because the policy is being driven by a desire to clean up the country’s air before hosting the 2022
August 02, 2019 Read Full Article
The Secret History of Why Soda Companies Switched From Sugar to High-Fructose Corn Syrup
by Tom Philpott (Mother Jones) In a mesmerizing recent article, Mother Jones’ Tim Murphy recounts the surprising backstory of one of corporate marketing’s greatest flops: Coca-Cola’s quickly aborted 1985 effort to tweak its formula and convince consumers to accept “New Coke.” ... Coca-Cola had already started
July 30, 2019 Read Full Article
UPDATE 1-EU Plans to Impose Import Duties on Indonesia Biodiesel
by Philip Blenkinsop, Sybille de la Hamaide and Bernadette Christina Munthe (Reuters) The European Commission has proposed duties ranging from 8% to 18% on imports of biodiesel from Indonesia to counter what it says are unfair subsidies, the latest twist in
July 29, 2019 Read Full Article
U.S. Ethanol Industry Nearing Breaking Point: Green Plains CEO
by Jarrett Renshaw, Stephanie Kelly (Reuters) The U.S. ethanol industry is about to break under the weight of the Trump Administration’s trade war with China and the surge in the number of small refineries exempted from the nation’s biofuel laws, said Todd
July 29, 2019 Read Full Article
European Ethanol Industry Needs Market Reforms to Counter Growing Trade Threat
by Jacques Moss (KNECT365) Recent changes in the EU’s trading relationships with the US and the Mercosur trade bloc may render the European ethanol industry uncompetitive. Taking measures to safeguard the EU’s domestic production base will bring benefits for the economy
July 23, 2019 Read Full Article
Ethanol to Be Central Issue in India-Brazil Meeting -Industry Group
by Marcelo Teixeira (Reuters) Brazil and India are expected to sign a memorandum of understanding on production and trade of ethanol when leaders of the two countries meet in Brasilia later this year, an industry group said on Tuesday. According to UDOP, a
July 19, 2019 Read Full Article
ITA Committee Focused on Renewable Energy Exports to Meet July 25
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration has announced an opening meeting of the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Advisory Committee will be held July 25 in Washington, D.C. The REEEAC provides the secretary of
July 16, 2019 Read Full Article
Brazil Considers Reinstating Ethanol Import Tariff
(Argus Media) Brazil's agriculture ministry is seeking to eliminate a quota for tariff-free ethanol imports when it expires on 31 August, potentially pricing imports from the US out of the domestic market. The ministry told Argus that its interpretation of a 2017 resolution which
July 16, 2019 Read Full Article
Marco Rubio Introduces Bill to Combat China's Rare Earth Monopoly
by Megan Henney (Fox Business) Sen. Marco Rubio introduced legislation on Thursday intended to boost American competitiveness in processing critical rare-earth minerals after China signaled it could weaponize its dominance in the sector in the midst of the year-long trade war. The Florida Republican’s plan, named the RE-Coop 21st
July 12, 2019 Read Full Article
Biofuels Can Help Reduce Current Account Deficit
by Syed Akhtar Ali (The Express Tribune) Pakistan’s current account deficit has created many problems for the economy. Major imports are of the oil sector. There is a misplaced notion that nothing can be done for reducing these imports. Biofuels based on
July 11, 2019 Read Full Article
NBB Strongly Disagrees with Commerce's Preliminary Decision to Change Argentine Biodiesel Duty Rates
(National Biodiesel Board) Commerce gives Argentina a trade break at the expense of U.S. biodiesel producers and soybean farmers -- The National Biodiesel Board's (NBB) Fair Trade Coalition today criticized the U.S. Department of Commerce's preliminary decision in a "changed circumstances" review
July 05, 2019 Read Full Article
Trade Deal Opens EU to More Ethanol Imports from South America
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) A new trade agreement reached June between Mercosur, a South American trade bloc consisting of Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay, and the European Union is expected to impact ethanol producers in both regions. The agreement includes
July 03, 2019 Read Full Article
Ed Lotterman: Oil Prices, War, and a Bad Corn Crop
by Ed Lotterman (Bismarck Tribune) Unless National Security Adviser John Bolton and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo manage to gin up a war with Iran, the terrible crop conditions across much of the Midwest this year means that some fuel
July 01, 2019 Read Full Article
Norway Sees Sharp Drop in Palm Oil Biofuel Consumption after Ban on Government Purchasing
by Lauren Crothers (South Africa Today) -Norway saw drop in palm oil consumption following new regulations limiting sales in response to concerns about deforestation for plantations. -The decrease has been lauded by a Norwegian rainforest advocacy group, which called it
June 24, 2019 Read Full Article
Trump in Iowa Touts Ethanol while Bashing Biden
by Miranda Green (The Hill) President Trump gave rallygoers in Iowa on Tuesday a sign of what might come in 2020, speaking to them about ethanol while taking hard jabs at Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden. Speaking in Council Bluffs, Iowa, to celebrate his administration’s
June 12, 2019 Read Full Article
As Biden Tours Iowa, Farmers Want to Know Where He Stands on Ethanol
by Jarrett Renshaw (Reuters) Joe Biden may have an ethanol problem. The former U.S. vice president has pledged support for advanced biofuels as part of his bid for the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination. But Biden, who leads the crowded Democratic field in opinion
June 11, 2019 Read Full Article
From Ethanol Plants to Protein Factories: The Digest’s 2019 Multi-Slide Guide to Green Plains
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The Digest’s new “Stocks Worth Tracking” Multi-Slide Guide Series highlights hot companies that are making strides in the bioeconomy. Today’s “Stock Worth Tracking” is Green Plains. Green Plains corn milling platform has changed and improved the
June 03, 2019 Read Full Article
EPA Finalizes E15 Rule Agency Leaves Potential Biofuel Credit Reforms on Table for Later Time
by Todd Neeley (DTN Progressive Farmer) EPA beat the clock in finalizing year-round E15 on Friday, one day ahead of the beginning of the summer driving season. The agency announced a final rule that also takes a much softer approach on
June 02, 2019 Read Full Article
The Permian Basin Is Booming With Oil. But at What Cost to West Texans?
by Christian Wallace (Texas Monthly) ... I was riding shotgun with Josh Snow, an old friend who’s worked his way up the ranks at his father’s independent oil company. The two of us were driving the thirty-mile stretch from our hometown
May 31, 2019 Read Full Article
Ethanol Represents Fastest Growing U.S. Ag Export
(Feed & Grain/U.S. Grains Council) In 2018, U.S. ethanol exports totaled more than 6.5 billion liters -- A recent analysis by the U.S. Grains Council (USGC) shows non-beverage ethanol has been the fastest growing U.S. agricultural export over the past decade by
May 29, 2019 Read Full Article
Where the 2020 Presidential Candidates Stand on Food and Farming
by Julia Poska and the Civil Eats Editors (Civil Eats) We’ll be tracking policy positions and public statements so you don’t have to. --... Food and farming haven’t been high on the list of campaign priorities in recent decades, except maybe in
May 29, 2019 Read Full Article
Poland against EU Plan to Ban Use of Palm Oil for Biofuels: Envoy
(The Sun Daily/Bernama) Poland is against the European Union’s (EU) proposed plan to ban the use of palm oil as a component of biofuels, and stressed that the republic does not intend to reduce the demand for Malaysian palm oil. Polish Ambassador
May 29, 2019 Read Full Article
Government Restricts Bio-Fuel Imports
by Kirtika Suneja (Economic Times) Till now, bio-fuel import was allowed only for non-fuel purposes subject to actual user condition. --The government has restricted the import of bio-fuels including ethyl alcohol, bio-diesel and petroleum oils for all purposes and their import will
May 28, 2019 Read Full Article
Commentary: The Trade Barriers You Don’t Hear About
by Gary Truitt (Hoosier Ag Today) ... While we are struggling to export corn, there is a market that is ready buy U.S. corn just in a different form. Ethanol exports have been booming and could expand even more if the
May 28, 2019 Read Full Article
The Daily 202: Trump Keeps Trying to Pick Winners and Losers – from the Bailout for Farmers to a Border Wall Contract
by James Hohmann (Washington Post) ... Trump proceeded to tout initiatives he’s taken to help corn growers. He noted that he directed the EPA to make it easier to sell more ethanol in vehicle fuel, lifting summertime fueling restrictions on E15
May 28, 2019 Read Full Article
US Fuel Mandates No Salve for Farm Trade Losses
(Argus Media) Higher US biofuel blending mandates cannot make up for lost export trade opportunities, according to farm groups caught in the crossfire of the country's trade war with China. US independent refiners show little concern that the administration will blunt sharply
May 21, 2019 Read Full Article
Signing Ceremony of MoU between UNCTAD and Stockholm Environment Institute: SEI and UNCTAD to Cooperate on Trade and Environment
(UNCTAD) Stockholm Environment Institute and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The agreement is an overarching mechanism to foster cooperation on trade and environment, backed up by the research and convening
May 17, 2019 Read Full Article
Trade War Hurting the U.S. Ethanol Industry 'Badly' -U.S. Grains Council
by Ayenat Mersie (Reuters) The U.S.-China trade war is hurting the U.S. ethanol industry “badly,” Mike Dwyer, chief economist of the U.S. Grains Council, said on Wednesday at an event at New York Sugar week: * “Without the tariff protection we would
May 17, 2019 Read Full Article
Trade Decision Is Bad for EU’s Ethanol Industry, Farmers – and Climate Ambitions
(ePURE) Europe’s renewable ethanol producers are already under pressure from misguided biofuel and agricultural policy decisions; now is not the time to subject them to unfair trade practices -- The EU’s decision to repeal anti-dumping duties on fuel ethanol imports originating in the United
May 16, 2019 Read Full Article
Ethanol, the Fix the Ag Economy Needs
(WOWO News/Hoosier Ag Today) The key to improving the farm economy and raising grain prices is not trade, but renewable fuels. Jeff Broin, with POET, says farmers must stop thinking of themselves as food producers but think of themselves as energy
May 15, 2019 Read Full Article
Nigeria Imports 350m Litres of Ethanol Yearly as Experts Suggest Solutions
(The Guardian) Produces about six per cent of national need; Cassava can fill the gap with good policies Despite the abundance of cassava roots as essential raw materials for production of ethanol and the government’s import substitution policies, Nigeria produces about six
May 15, 2019 Read Full Article
Tired of Hearing About the GND and NOPEC? Here Are Energy Policy Moves That Have a Real Chance in Next 12-18 Months
(Raymond James & Associates) ... The EPA is moving forward on year-round E15, while concurrently reforming RINs. As a long-standing political matter, federal ethanol policy (under the umbrella of the Renewable Fuel Standard) involves divisions not along party lines but rather regional
May 14, 2019 Read Full Article
China Slaps 25% Import Tariff on US Biodiesel even though It Doesn’t Import Much
by Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In China, Bloomberg reports that additional tariffs on US biodiesel imports are among the latest retaliation measures in the ongoing US-China trade war. Even though China imports very little biodiesel from the US, it will still increase
May 14, 2019 Read Full Article
Indonesia 2019 Biodiesel Exports to Rise
(Reuters/The Star Online) The Indonesia Biodiesel Producers Association (APROBI) estimates the country may export up to 2 million kilolitres (kl) of unblended biodiesel in 2019 in an "optimistic scenario", Vice Chairman Paulus Tjakrawan told reporters on Thursday. In a "pessimistic scenario", he
May 03, 2019 Read Full Article
Why Democrats Should Visit Farm Communities
by Jennifer Rubin (Washington Post) A new report confirms that President Trump is causing the most pain in areas of the country that were the most supportive of his 2016 campaign. Personal income for farmers fell by the most in three years in
May 01, 2019 Read Full Article
Donald J. Trump, Our Blue-Collar President
by Curtis Ellis (WND) ... Last week, members of the International Union of Operating Engineers stood alongside President Trump at a union job-training center as he signed executive orders to expedite the construction of oil and gas pipelines and energy infrastructure projects,
May 01, 2019 Read Full Article
China's Huge Grain Stockpiles Set to Linger through Next Year
by Karen Braun (Rueters/NASDAQ) ... In 2017, China announced it would require gasoline supplies nationwide to be blended with ethanol by 2020, which would require about 15 million tonnes of the biofuel annually. China had an ethanol production capacity of about
April 30, 2019 Read Full Article
Splitting Ethanol Market Helps Make Brazil a Big Winner as US Struggles
(MENAFN) The ethanol market is splitting in two, which is having a big impact on the crops used to make the biofuel: corn in the US, and sugar in Brazil. There's a massive ethanol glut in the US. That's helping to drive
April 29, 2019 Read Full Article
Thank You, Biodiesel Industry
by Donnell Rehagen (National Biodiesel Board/Biodiesel Magazine) ... This past year we engaged with organizations like National Renderers Association, National Association of Truck Stop Operators, American Soybean Association, Petroleum Marketers of America, and many more. The National Biodiesel Board has strengthened its
April 17, 2019 Read Full Article
Biodiesel Sector Offers to Take More Canola
by Sean Pratt (Western Producer) Canada’s proposed Clean Fuel Standard is considered to be a major way that biodiesel demand could be expanded in Canada. The renewable fuel industry says a stronger domestic market would ease challenges caused by export volatility China’s canola
April 12, 2019 Read Full Article
Democrats Still Need Rural Voters to Defeat Trump
by J.D. Scholten (The Hill) ... To win back the White House, Democrats can’t just rely on “Whole Foods” districts of educated, affluent suburbanites. Democrats can do well in “Dollar General” districts if they show up and address the issues. No one gave me much
April 01, 2019 Read Full Article
Fuel Standards to Prevent Overdependence on Foreign Oil Are Out of Date
by Merrill Matthews (The Hill/Institute for Policy Innovation) ... President Trump wants to roll back unattainable Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards imposed by President Obama. And he wants those revised fuel efficiency ratings to apply nationwide, including California, according to The Hill. But
March 28, 2019 Read Full Article
Insight: US Ethanol Moving to China by Various Means, Including Ship-to-Ship Transfers
by Clare Pennington, Izham Ahmad, Steven McGinn (ICIS) Trans-shipments of ethanol from the US to China are taking place in renewed efforts to thwart US-China tariffs, including ship-to-ship transfers, several sources in Asia and Europe have confirmed. Importing US ethanol into China carries
March 28, 2019 Read Full Article
Daily on Energy: Trump Quietly Makes New Energy Inroads in Brazil
by John Siciliano and Josh Siegel (Washington Examiner) The Trump administration is quietly negotiating an energy partnership with Brazil, the largest economy in South America, to encourage more oil and natural gas production by tapping the expertise of U.S. energy firms, with
March 22, 2019 Read Full Article
As German Imports Spike, UFOP Fears Add’l Pressure from Indonesia
(Union zur Förderung von Oel- und Proteinpflanzen (UFOP)/Biodiesel Magazine) Imports of biodiesel to Germany increased sharply in 2018. The rise was triggered by overabundant supply of state-subsidized and consequently low-priced biodiesel from Argentina. The Union zur Förderung von Oel- und Proteinpflanzen
March 20, 2019 Read Full Article
Study Shows Biofuels Are 3 Percent of Iowa GDP
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) has released a new study that shows biofuels are responsible for over $5 billion of Iowa’s GDP, or roughly three percent. The study, authored by John Urbanchuk of ABF Economics and commissioned by IRFA, also found
March 20, 2019 Read Full Article
Eni : Aims to Eliminate Palm Oil in Biofuels, in Line With New EU Rules
by Dieter Holger (Market Screener) Eni Spa (ENI.MI) said Thursday that it is making progress in eliminating palm oil from the biofuels it refines, following new European Union rules announced this week. "The objective is to reduce dramatically, and potentially bring to
March 20, 2019 Read Full Article
Europe Glycerine Players Brace for Possible Tightness in Summer Months
by Samantha Wright (ICIS) European glycerine players are anticipating a possible hit to stocks of non-genetically modified (non-GMO) material in the summer months, with increased biodiesel imports expected. -- Players are turning their attention to the possible upstream biodiesel imports from Argentina
March 20, 2019 Read Full Article
US-Brazil Trade Tensions Could Rise over Ethanol TRQ Issue
by Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, MercoPress reports that the US won’t budge on allowing Brazil to export more limes that are facing phytosanitary trade barriers until the issue of the ethanol import quota and tariff is dealt with. When US
March 19, 2019 Read Full Article
U.S. Ethanol Market Sees First Sales Decline in Decades: Lower U.S. Demand, Plunge in Exports Made for Rough 2018.
by Jim Spencer and Mike Hughlett (Star Tribune) ... As production increased and sales to foreign countries rose to record levels, profits went down roughly 20 cents per gallon. ... The domestic market for ethanol had stopped growing at the same
March 18, 2019 Read Full Article
EU Sets Limits on Palm Oil in Biofuels as Trade War Looms
by Ewa Krukowska (Bloomberg Quint) The European Union set new criteria for the use of palm oil in biofuels in a balancing act to try to avert a trade war with producers in Asia while appeasing climate protagonists at home. The measure
March 14, 2019 Read Full Article
UPDATE 1-Brazil, U.S. to Discuss Meat, Sugar, Ethanol Trade -Farm Minister
by Jose Romero Gomes (Reuters) Brazilian Agriculture Minister Tereza Cristina Dias said on Tuesday that she will discuss U.S.-Brazil trade in meat, sugar and ethanol in talks next week between officials of the two countries. ... Aside from talks on fresh beef, the
March 14, 2019 Read Full Article
New RFA Report Summarizes 2018 Ethanol Export Statistics
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) On the heels of new government data this week confirming record U.S. ethanol exports in 2018, the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) has released a 10-page report summarizing 2018 ethanol export and import data and highlighting key facts and trends related to global ethanol
March 09, 2019 Read Full Article
Malaysia's Participation in the Stakeholder Meeting on High and Low Indirect Land Use Change (ILUC) Risk Biofuels under the Recast of the Renewable Energy Directive (EU RED II)
(Malaysia Ministry of Primary Industries) 1. The Ministry of Primary Industries led by the Secretary General, YBhg. Dato’ Dr. Tan Yew Chong is currently in Brussels, Belgium to participate in the Stakeholder Meeting On High And Low Indirect Land Use Change
March 08, 2019 Read Full Article
It’s a (Trade) War: The Digest’s 2019 Multi-Slide Guide to U.S.-China Trade War Impacts
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) Mark Pomykacz, from Federal Appraisal LLC and a member of Lee Enterprises Consulting offers this illuminating overview of the U.S.-China trade war impacts, cash flows, and values in the biofuels industry, and more. READ MORE U.S./China Trade
March 07, 2019 Read Full Article
EU Court Decision to Uphold ADDs for US Fuel Ethanol an ‘Important Milestone’ - Trade Group
by Clare Pennington (ISIS News) The decision by the European Court of Justice (ECJ) to uphold US fuel ethanol anti-dumping duties (ADDs) in the EU is an “important milestone” for the EU ethanol industry, the European renewable ethanol association ePure said on
March 01, 2019 Read Full Article
New Review of Argentina Biodiesel Policy Concerns Senators
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) A bipartisan group of 14 Senators, led by Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA), sent a letter to Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross this week regarding his agency’s recently launched “changed circumstances” review of U.S. duties on
February 27, 2019 Read Full Article
Despite Challenges, Ethanol Supporters Say Industry Is Vital
by Steve White (NTV-ABC) Nebraska's a world leader in ethanol, but global politics have the industry treading on thin ice. “Tougher together” is Chris Vincent's motto these days. The CEO of Aurora Cooperative stands behind ethanol, even as the profitability has disappeared. ... The
February 20, 2019 Read Full Article
Iowa Operatives Say Ethanol Worship Is Now as Corny as The West Wing
by Ben Jacobs (The Guardian) ... Tim Gannon, the Democratic nominee for Iowa secretary of agriculture in 2018, told the Guardian the idea of ethanol as a dealbreaker in the state was “very much a stereotypical thing because of The West
February 18, 2019 Read Full Article
Used Cooking Oil May Be Made Mandatory Feedstock for Biofuel
(News 18) The government has set a target of 20 percent blending of ethanol with gasoline and 5 percent blending of biodiesel with diesel by 2030 under the biofuel policy. -- Petroleum minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Wednesday said the government is
February 18, 2019 Read Full Article
Consumption, U.S. Recession in 2020, Oil-Led, Says Prominent US Economist
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) In Florida at the 24th National Ethanol Conference, US energy economist Phil Verleger said “I don’t see how we get through this in 2020 without a major recession,” referring to predictions of disruption in US and
February 13, 2019 Read Full Article
RFA’s Cooper: Ethanol Industry ‘Delivering Huge Wins’ Despite ‘Tough Year’ in 2018
(Renewable Fuels Association) Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) President and CEO Geoff Cooper told nearly 1,000 National Ethanol Conference attendees today that while the U.S. ethanol industry had a “tough year” in 2018, it “continued to deliver huge wins for consumers,” including
February 12, 2019 Read Full Article
Audio: Grain, Ethanol Market Development Work To Surge With USDA ATP Funds
(U.S. Grains Council) New funding to the U.S. Grains Council (USGC) from the Agricultural Trade Promotion (ATP) Program – part of a larger “trade aid” package offered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in the wake of new tariffs and global
February 11, 2019 Read Full Article
Long, Strange Trip: How U.S. Ethanol Reaches China Tariff-Free
by Chris Prentice and A. Ananthalakshmi (Reuters) In June, the High Seas tanker ship loaded up on ethanol in Texas and set off for Asia. Two months later - after a circuitous journey that included a ship-to-ship transfer and a stop in Malaysia
February 07, 2019 Read Full Article
Farmers Nearing Crisis Push back on Trump Trade Policies
by Ryan McCrimmon (Politico) President Donald Trump’s trade war is magnifying some of the toughest farm conditions since the crisis that bankrupted thousands of farmers in the 1980s — and threatening a constituency crucial to his reelection hopes. The president’s trade policies
February 07, 2019 Read Full Article
UPDATE 1-U.S. Asks Brazil to Consider Lifting Tariffs on Ethanol Exports
by Humeyra Pamuk (Reuters) The United States has asked Brazil to consider lifting tariffs imposed on its ethanol exports and is hopeful of a positive outcome, a senior official at the U.S. Department of Agriculture said on Wednesday. Brazil currently charges a
February 07, 2019 Read Full Article
Rs 8,500 Crore Investment Lined up for Ethanol; Two-Thirds by Sugar Mills
by Virendra Singh Rawat (Business Standard) Sugar mills in the top sugar producing states viz. Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh are projected to account for 40% and 30% of the fresh ethanol capacity addition -- Amid the growing clamour to insulate the Rs
February 07, 2019 Read Full Article
UFOP: EU Oilseed Producers Lose in Argentina Imports Settlement
(Union for the Promotion of Oil and Protein Plants (UFOP)/Biodiesel Magazine) According to Germany’s Union for the Promotion of Oil and Protein Plants (UFOP), European oilseed producers are the losers in the Jan. 30 decision of the representatives of the EU
February 06, 2019 Read Full Article
Biofuel Sustainability Criteria ‘Blocked’ in EU Commission
by Sarantis Michalopoulos (EurActiv) A delegated act determining the sustainability criteria of biofuels under the new renewable energy directive (RED II) has been blocked in the European Commission as some Commissioners found the criteria “too light”, EURACTIV has learnt. Speaking on condition of
February 05, 2019 Read Full Article
EU Approves US Soybeans for Biofuel Production
(Associated Press/Washington Post) The European Union has approved U.S. soybean exports to be used in the production of biofuels in an effort to boost such imports following last summer’s trans-Atlantic meeting between President Donald Trump and his EU Commission counterpart Jean-Claude
February 05, 2019 Read Full Article
Copa and Cogeca Call on Commission to Closely Monitor Price Undertaking Agreement on Imported Argentinian Biofuel and Revoke It upon First Infringement
(European Farmers European Agri-Cooperatives) Copa and Cogeca welcome EU Member States approval of Commission’s package of definitive anti-subsidy measures against Argentinian biodiesel’s imports, during Trade Defence Committee held on 30th January. Nevertheless, the approval of an import quota of 1.2 million tonnes in
February 03, 2019 Read Full Article
U.S. Groups Support Expansion of Biofuels in Ontario
by Jacqui Fatka (Feedstuffs) U.S. Grains Council and Growth Energy submit comments in support of 15% renewable fuel content in gasoline use by 2025. -- This week, Growth Energy and the U.S. Grains Council (USGC) jointly submitted comments to the Canadian province of
January 31, 2019 Read Full Article
Interview: RFA Hoping EPA Will Be More Restrained on SREs
by Jeff Barber (Opis Biofuels News) The U.S. ethanol industry, which spent most of 2018 dealing with the fallout from EPA's decision to allow a record number of small refineries to escape their Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) compliance obligations, believes the
January 29, 2019 Read Full Article
Lack of Incentives, Uncertain Supply Hamper Progress on Biofuels
by Stefanno Reinard Sulaiman (The Jakarta Post) The production of biofuel from sources such as palm oil and sugarcane is prone to delays and vulnerable to fluctuating supplies and prices, the government has acknowledged. The Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry’s director general for
January 25, 2019 Read Full Article
Trump's Dilemma: Appease U.S. Biodiesel or His Argentine Buddy
by Mario Parker and Jonathan Gilbert (Bloomberg) The Trump administration’s decision in April to slap tariffs on Argentine soybean products came as a blessing for Bob Morton. Free of competition from the soybean-product giant, Morton etched out a plan to increase capacity at
January 23, 2019 Read Full Article
USGC Expands Its Ethanol Offerings At Grains.org
(U.S. Grains Council) New information about global market development efforts for U.S. ethanol and the benefits of the biofuel to global customers is now available online at www.grains.org. The United States is the world’s low-cost ethanol producer and captured more than
January 18, 2019 Read Full Article
Trump Seeks to Sell Shutdown, Trade Policies to Farmers
by Jonathan Lemire (Associated Press/Washington Post) President Donald Trump urged farmers Monday to stick with him even as many grapple with the impact of his trade war with China and the partial government shutdown. ... Trump said the wall was needed to cut down
January 15, 2019 Read Full Article
Farmers Fear Another Hit as Trump Shutdown Threatens Ethanol Vow
by Mario Parker and Jennifer A Dlouhy (Bloomberg) Year-round 15% ethanol-gas blend by summer now seen at risk; Shutdown could join trade war in limiting farmer income -- ... The government shutdown that Trump says could last "a long time" without funding for
January 04, 2019 Read Full Article
Driving Opportunities to Expand the Market
by Emily Skor (Growth Energy/Ethanol Producer Magazine) ... We expect a proposed rule in February, followed by a public hearing and comment process. President Donald Trump’s administration has clearly stated its intention to have a rule in place by June 1—when
January 02, 2019 Read Full Article
Ethanol Project to Create 1,000 Jobs in Kawambwa
(Zambia Daily Mail Limited) Over 1,000 jobs are expected to be created from the US$800 million ethanol project by Sunbird Bio-Energy that has started in Kawambwa with the planting of cassava to be used as feedstock. The project, situated on the Luena
January 02, 2019 Read Full Article
Malaysia Says Norway Move to Ban Palm-Based Biodiesel Could Hinder EFTA Trade Talks
(Reuters/Investing.com) Norway's plans to ban biofuels containing palm oil from 2020 are set to provide a major obstacle to long-running trade talks between the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) and Malaysia, a Kuala Lumpur government minister said on Friday. A Norwegian parliament
December 28, 2018 Read Full Article
Outlook 2019: European Fuel Ethanol Market to Focus on Supply Side
by Sophie Byron and Chrysa Glystra (S&P Global Platts) The dawn of 2019 will find European fuel ethanol trying to rebalance supply, while awaiting key developments with Brexit and US antidumping duties. ... Logistics have also been a headache not only for
December 26, 2018 Read Full Article
China's Ethanol Love May Be Antidote for Slumping U.S. Farms
by Mario Parker (Bloomberg) Producers hopeful Chinese ethanol purchases are coming next; Biofuel, made from corn, helps support farm-belt growth -- A little love from China in the U.S. ethanol market during the trade-war detente between Washington and Beijing could go a long
December 24, 2018 Read Full Article
Report: First ETBE Made with US Ethanol Could Reach Japan in 2019
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Japan is expected to import 890 million liters (235.11 million gallons) of fuel ethanol this year, mostly in the form of bio-ethyl tert-butyl ether (ETBE), according to an annual biofuels report the country recently filed
December 19, 2018 Read Full Article
Govt Links Ethanol Export to In-House Use of Molasses
(The News) The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of cabinet on Monday bound ethanol manufacturers to directly purchase its raw material from sugar mills or use the in-house by-product for the biofuel production. The decision was taken during a Economic Coordination Committee (ECC)
December 18, 2018 Read Full Article
U.S. Ethanol Producers Seek Pricing Reform as Markets Plunge, ADM Sells
by Jarrett Renshaw and Michael Hirtzer (Reuters) U.S. ethanol producers stung by collapsing prices are seeking changes to the way benchmark values for the biofuel are established, arguing the current system used by exchanges is vulnerable to manipulation, according to sources. The push
December 18, 2018 Read Full Article
Notice of Initiation of an Anti-Subsidy Proceeding Concerning Imports of Biodiesel Originating in Indonesia
(European Commission) The European Commission (‘the Commission’) has received a complaint under Article 10 of Regulation (EU) 2016/1037 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 8 June 2016 on protection against subsidised imports from countries not members of the
December 18, 2018 Read Full Article
Exclusive: White House Delays New Farm Aid Payments on China Trade Hopes - Sources
by Humeyra Pamuk and Jarrett Renshaw (Reuters) The White House is delaying additional payments from a $12 billion aid package for farmers stung by President Donald Trump’s trade war with China because it expects Beijing to resume buying U.S. soybeans, three sources
December 14, 2018 Read Full Article
EU Commission Begins Anti-Subsidy Process against Indonesia
(Union zur Förderung von Öl- und Proteinpflanzen (Union for the Promotion of Oil and Protein Plants - UFOP)) UFOP demands the expedited introduction of preliminary counter measures – customs duties on biodiesel imports should not be circumvented via palm oil
December 11, 2018 Read Full Article
Ethanol Exports Exceeding Expectations
by Cindy Zimmerman (Energy.AgWired.com) U.S. ethanol exports are on a roll. For the third time this year, American ethanol exports have reached record numbers, with the total hitting 1.69 billion gallons (bg) on a rolling 12-month basis, according to Growth Energy. As
December 11, 2018 Read Full Article
Restriction on Import of Biodiesel and Mixtures Not Applicable on Raw Material, DGFT
(Autocar Professional) In a big relief to biofuel manufacturers, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has clarified that biofuel manufacturers can import raw material without any restrictions. Hence the restrictions on the import of biodiesel and mixtures, is not applicable
December 11, 2018 Read Full Article
Penny for Your Corn? Stingy Trade-War Aid Irks U.S. Farmers
by P.J. Huffstutter and Mark Weinraub (Reuters) ... Federal economists have calculated that the nation’s losses in corn - its largest crop by harvest and export volume - amount to just a penny per bushel, a pittance farmers call absurd. That’s
December 07, 2018 Read Full Article
Closed Doors, Open Windows: Tariffs in China and Brazil ...
by Lisa Gibons (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Tariffs in China and Brazil have deeply affected U.S. ethanol exports, but other markets remain, new ones are opening and opportunities still abound for the world’s lowest-cost octane. Despite a 20 percent tariff rate quota implemented
December 06, 2018 Read Full Article
Argentina Takes Peru to WTO in Biodiesel Row
by Tom Miles (Reuters) Argentina has launched a dispute at the World Trade Organization to contest Peru’s anti-dumping and anti-subsidy duties on Argentina’s exports of biodiesel, a WTO filing published on Wednesday showed. Argentina’s complaint suggests the two countries have failed to
December 06, 2018 Read Full Article
Government to Raise Target for Ethanol Blending of Petrol
(Economic Times) The government intends to further increase the target level for the Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) programme that aims to bring down India’s imports of petroleum products, as also provide cleaner fuel, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday. State-run oil
December 05, 2018 Read Full Article
EU Proposes Restoring Anti-Dumping Duties on Argentine Biodiesel - Document
(EuroNews/Reuters) The European Commission has proposed reinstating anti-dumping duties on imports of Argentine biodiesel after massive shipments of cheap biodiesel from Latin America into the European Union threatened its industry, an EU document seen by Reuters shows. The plan follows an investigation
December 04, 2018 Read Full Article
Green Plains Sheds Three Plants, Shutters Another and Offloads Storage and Rail Assets
by Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In Nebraska, Green Plains Inc. announced that it completed the previously announced sale of its three ethanol plants to Valero Renewable Fuels Company LLC for $319 million in cash, including net working capital and other adjustments. The transaction
November 16, 2018 Read Full Article
China Seen Importing US Ethanol via Alternative Routes Amid Trade War
by Srijan Kanoi (S&P Global Platts) China has switched to importing US ethanol via alternative routes since the US-China trade war erupted in April, the country's General Administration of Customs data indicated Tuesday. ... In a surprise to the market, the data showed
November 15, 2018 Read Full Article
Editorial: Iowa State Analysis Makes Clear the Trade Wars' Damage to Ag Producers
(Omaha World-Herald) A recent report from Iowa State University offers sobering findings that show why our country needs to resolve its tariff wars with China and other nations. The university researchers found that over the next year, the disruptions and
November 14, 2018 Read Full Article
US to Conduct 'Unprecedented Review' of Biodiesel Import Duties
(National Biodiesel Board) Changes to the trade decisions finalized earlier this year will cause ongoing harm to U.S. biodiesel companies -- On November 5, the U.S. Department of Commerce granted a request from the government of Argentina to initiate “changed circumstances” reviews
November 14, 2018 Read Full Article
U.S. Ethanol Producers Feeling the Pinch from Trump Trade War
by Jarrett Renshaw, Michael Hirtzer (Reuters) U.S. ethanol producers drew a bleak picture of their industry in quarterly filings and analyst calls this week, detailing how the critical farm belt business has been devastated by President Donald Trump’s trade war with China and
November 12, 2018 Read Full Article
2018 Midterm Elections—Implications for the Bioeconomy
by Jesse Stolark (Environmental and Energy Study Institute) And while the bioeconomy – biofuels, biobased products, chemicals, and more – enjoy bipartisan support, the new political landscape means that the biobased sector and stakeholders still need to be on their
November 10, 2018 Read Full Article
Fueling Growth in the Biodiesel Industry
by Donnell Rehagen (National Biodiesel Board/Biodiesel Magazine) As we near the end of 2018, the biodiesel industry has seen some significant progress as we work towards sustainable industry growth. Today, biodiesel is creating an impact and presence in the current marketplace
November 09, 2018 Read Full Article
Trump’s Trade War Looms over Divided U.S. Farm Belt ahead of Vote
by Humeyra Pamuk and P.J. Huffstutter (Reuters) ... Some of the nation’s 3.2 million farmers and ranchers, traditionally staunch Republicans, are wavering in this election because of the trade dispute with China, the main buyer of U.S. soybeans and pork, interviews with
November 02, 2018 Read Full Article
UPDATE 1-Brazil's Bolsonaro Backs Ethanol Industry, Pledges Partnership
by Marcelo Teixeira (Reuters) President-elect Jair Bolsonaro backed Brazil’s ethanol industry and pledged to be a partner of the biofuel sector, according to remarks aired on Monday during an international sugar conference in Sao Paulo. Right-wing Bolsonaro, who beat leftist Fernando Haddad in
October 31, 2018 Read Full Article
Saudi Arabia Shows Need to End Addiction to Middle Eastern Oil
by Jim Talent (The Hill/Americans for Energy Security and Innovation) Following the mysterious death of columnist Jamal Khashoggi, Washington was hit with a stark reminder that America remains glaringly vulnerable to economic threats from the oil oligarchs of the world. Saudi
October 24, 2018 Read Full Article
Ethanol Blog: Changing Face of US Ethanol Export Markets
by Todd Neeley (DTN The Progressive Farmer) Historically, India and Brazil have been two major export destinations for ethanol produced in the United States. All the while, both India and Brazil are stepping up efforts to produce more ethanol. In India this week,
October 20, 2018 Read Full Article
How Renewable Energy Could Fuel Future Conflicts
by Madison Freeman and Morgan Bazilian (Georgetown Journal of International Affairs) Renewable energy technologies promise to help our world avert some of the worst impacts of climate change. However, some of the minerals and metals they require could contribute to conflict. In
October 12, 2018 Read Full Article
No Anti-Dumping Measure against Argentine Biodiesel - EU Commission Abandons EU Agriculture
(UFOP (Google translation)) Deeply disappointed and deceived, the European Oilseed Alliance (EOA) sees itself confronted with the completely surprising decision by the European Commission not to introduce retroactive punitive tariffs against the biodiesel quantities imported from Argentina since September 2017 , Last
October 05, 2018 Read Full Article
US, Mexico, Canada Reach Trade Deal
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) ... USGC data shows the U.S. exported nearly 332.63 million gallons of ethanol to Canada during the 2016-’17 marketing year, up from 313 million gallons during the 2015-’16 marketing year. The U.S. also exported 27.6
October 03, 2018 Read Full Article
Indonesia Biodiesel Output Could Jump 40 pct in 2019
(The Star) Indonesia's biodiesel production could rise to 7 million tonnes in 2019, up 40 percent from an estimated 5 million tonnes this year, due to a new programme to boost local biodiesel consumption, said an Indonesian ministry official on Thursday. The
October 02, 2018 Read Full Article
South Africa Looks to Kickstart Its Biofuels Industry
by Wendell Roelf (Reuters) South Africa hopes to finalise its biofuels regulatory framework by March next year, the energy minister said on Monday, almost a decade after the policy to promote biofuels like ethanol and biodiesel was first approved. A net importer
October 02, 2018 Read Full Article
U.S. Talks with Japan, 2nd Largest Buyer of U.S. Corn
by Helena Tavares Kennedy (Biofuels Digest) In Washington, D.C., leaders of the United States and Japan, one of the largest U.S. grain customers and second largest buyer of U.S. corn after Mexico, announced that the two countries would pursue trade talks. The impact
October 01, 2018 Read Full Article
CARD: Trade Disruptions Cost Iowa Ethanol Producers $105 Million
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) A new study by researchers at Iowa State University’s Center for Agricultural and Rural Development has determined current trade disruptions are having a significant impact on the state’s economy, including its ethanol industry. The study examined
September 26, 2018 Read Full Article
Green Plains Mothballs 20% of Production Capacity Due to Trump’s Trade War
by Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In Minnesota, Reuters reports that Green Plains is mothballing its ethanol production plants in Superior, Iowa and Lakota, Iowa as well as running its Fairmont, Minnesota plant at half capacity as President Trump’s trade war takes a bite
September 18, 2018 Read Full Article
Why Donald Trump Is Feeling the Heat From Midwestern Farmers
by Justin Worland (Time Magazine) On the campaign trail, Donald Trump made two big promises: renegotiating free trade agreements and helping corn growers by supporting ethanol. ... As tensions over trade have proven painful to Midwestern farmers in the short term, demands
September 14, 2018 Read Full Article
Need to Propel Biofuel Production to Curb Crude Oil Imports
(Times of India) Union Minister Nitin Gadkari Friday said tribals were being encouraged to accumulate non-edibile seeds for producing biofuel as the government looks to reduce dependence on crude oil imports. As India incurred a huge Rs 8 lakh crore bill on
September 14, 2018 Read Full Article
Argentina to Pass B10 Mandate Thanks to Falling Exports
by Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In Argentina, while exports are dropping, domestic consumption is seen rising this year to an all-time high of 1.48 billion liters, and for the first time since the policy was put in place in 2014, the blending
September 07, 2018 Read Full Article
Indonesia Sets Palm Biofuel Plant Condition for Jet Purchases from U.S., France - Minister
by Bernadette Christina Munthe, Jamie Freed, Cindy Silviana and Fransiska Nangoy (Reuters/EuroNews) Indonesia has asked for its companies to be allowed to build palm oil jet fuel plants in the United States and France as a condition for its airlines to buy
September 03, 2018 Read Full Article
NCGA: USDA Trade Aid Won't Make Up for Lost Markets
(National Corn Growers Association) The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) today said plans unveiled by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to provide aid to farmers negatively impacted by trade tariffs and ongoing trade uncertainty would be insufficient to even begin
August 31, 2018 Read Full Article
Government Puts Restrictions on Export of Bio-Fuels
(PTI/Financial Express) The government today (August 29, 2018) imposed restrictions on export of bio-fuels within days of putting similar conditions for its imports. A licence is required for both exports and imports of bio-fuels. ... India exported ethyl alcohol worth USD 276.35 million
August 30, 2018 Read Full Article
Trump Offers Trade Aid to Farmers, but Some Question Its Fairness
by Helena Bottemiller Evich, Catherine Boudreau and Liz Crampton (Politico) The Trump administration on Monday detailed how it will dole out $6.3 billion in aid to assist farmers stung by retaliatory tariffs — and it’s already sparking backlash from some sectors
August 28, 2018 Read Full Article
China Corn Rallies as Beijing Signals Support for Ethanol Plan
by Hallie Gu, Josephine Mason (Reuters) China corn futures rallied on Thursday after the central government said it would promote the use of ethanol in vehicles, its first public statement on its ambitious biofuel policy in almost a year. China will promote the
August 25, 2018 Read Full Article
Argentina Freezes Soy Export Tariffs to Keep Feedstock from Flowing into China
by Meghan Sapp (Biofuels Digest) In Argentina, exporters have been shipping raw, unprocessed soybeans to China en masse, a move the government has put a stop to last week by freezing export taxes on beans at 26% as well as freezing taxes
August 22, 2018 Read Full Article
King Says Farmers Want EPA Action on Ethanol, not $12 Billion Aide Package
by O. Kay Henderson (RadioIowa) Republican Congressman Steve King today said the best thing the Trump Administration could do to alleviate farmers’ angst about the trade war would be to allow higher percentages of ethanol to be blended into gasoline year-round. “Let the
August 17, 2018 Read Full Article
How Progressives Can Reconnect with Rural Voters
by Patty Judge (Des Moines Register/Focus on Rural America) ... Many of the political elites on the coasts have argued that progressives should simply write off the rural Midwest because it is too white, too old and too conservative to ever
August 16, 2018 Read Full Article
Grassley Gets Local Perspective on Ag
by Seth Boyes (Dickinson County News) Steffes Company in Milford played host to U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley on Monday Aug. 6. ... "If you're a member of Congress, you can't keep your mouth shut if you think the president's hurting your people,"
August 15, 2018 Read Full Article
USGC Joins USDA Trade Mission to Promote Ethanol
(U.S. Grains Council/Ethanol Producer Magazine) The U.S. Grains Council and ethanol industry partners added an octane enhancer to the USDA’s Agricultural Trade Mission to Indonesia in July, led by USDA Undersecretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Ted McKinney. The Council delegation
August 14, 2018 Read Full Article
Pacific Ethanol Discusses Impact of Trade Barriers, EPA Actions
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) Pacific Ethanol Inc. released second quarter financial results on Aug. 9, reporting a slight increase in net sales. The company also discussed how current trade barriers and the U.S. EPA’s administration of the Renewable Fuel
August 14, 2018 Read Full Article
Trump's Plan to Boost Ethanol Could Quickly Get Sidelined
by John Siciliano (Washington Examiner) ... On top of that, a senior Senate aide close to the pro-ethanol camp led by Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, said “there is debate" over whether it will take legislation to enact the changes Trump
August 14, 2018 Read Full Article
Iowans Tell EPA Chief President Made E15 Promise, It’s Time to Deliver
by O. Kay Henderson (RadioIowa) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s acting administrator met privately with Iowa commodity group leaders at the Iowa State Fair today — but Andrew Wheeler told reporters afterwards there is no decision yet on regulations that would
August 14, 2018 Read Full Article
Hubbell Wants More Support for Farmers Hurt by Trade War
by Rod Boshart (Sioux City Journal) Democratic gubernatorial candidate Fred Hubbell called out Gov. Kim Reynolds Saturday for not taking a more-aggressive public stance on behalf of Iowa farmers and rural interests being hurt by President Trump's trade war with China
August 13, 2018 Read Full Article
Frustration Brews in the Ethanol Industry
by Dan Looker (Successful Farming) Lawsuits and EPA petitions are in the works. -- ... “I would say the status quo right now is unacceptable for the industry,” says Emily Skor, CEO of Growth Energy. “If he’s (President Donald Trump) supportive
August 10, 2018 Read Full Article
McCaskill Visits Biofuel Plants in Missouri on Primary Day
by Andy Banker (KPLR11) Missouri Senator Claire McCaskill spent the primary election day visiting biofuel plants in Missouri. “Happy Primary Day,” McCaskill said while getting off her campaign bus to tour MidAmerica Biofuels in Mexico, Missouri. It was her last stop before heading
August 08, 2018 Read Full Article
Leahy among Lawmakers Taking Farm Bill to Conference
(WCAX) Both houses of Congress have passed their respective versions of the Farm Bill, a massive piece of legislation that affects farmers around the country. Now, a bipartisan group of lawmakers, including Vermont Sen. Patrick Leahy, will try to come together to
August 07, 2018 Read Full Article
With Trade War, Farmer Support for Trump Erodes Sharply
by Chuck Abbott (Fern's Ag Insider) One-in-seven farmers who voted for President Trump in 2016 would not vote for him today, according to a poll released on Monday. The escalating trade war was the leading cause of erosion for Trump among
August 07, 2018 Read Full Article
When Markets Misbehave, Send the Marines! (World Governments Get a Case of Bioeconomy Interventionitis)
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) The European Court of Justice has ruled that organisms altered via genome editing are GMOs and subject to GMO regulation in Europe, including warning labels for foods. And in the US, President Trump announced $12 billion in
August 06, 2018 Read Full Article
New Biodiesel Recipe Can Cut Indonesia's Fuel Imports: Industry Minister
by Gayatri Suroyo and Tabita Diela (Reuters) Indonesia, the world’s biggest palm oil producer, is offering incentives to developers of a new 100 percent palm oil-based “green diesel”, which the net oil importer hopes can replace costly fuel imports within three years,
August 02, 2018 Read Full Article
Indonesia to Make Biodiesel Use Compulsory from September 1: Official
by Bernadette Christina Munthe (Reuters) Indonesia aims to make the use of biodiesel blended fuels compulsory for all vehicles and heavy machinery from Sept. 1, Renewable Energy Director General Rida Mulyana said on Wednesday, amid efforts to reduce the current account deficit
August 01, 2018 Read Full Article
USDA Provides Aid for Farmers, Biofuel Groups Call for RVP Relief
by Erin Voegele (Ethanol Producer Magazine) The USDA has announced it will authorize up to $12 billion in aid to assist farmers who have been impacted by retaliatory tariffs on U.S. agricultural goods. The ethanol industry also called on the Trump
August 01, 2018 Read Full Article
PCA, Stakeholders Push for Enforcement of 5% Bio-Diesel Blend
(GMA News Online) To arrest the detrimental affects of plunging price of copra, the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) and industry stakeholders are urging the government for the immediate implementation of the Biofuels Act of 2006 or Republic Act No. 9367. The RA
July 31, 2018 Read Full Article
Govt Taking Steps to Ease Crude Import Cost, Focusing on Biofuels: Pradhan
(Press Trust of India/Business Standard) The government is taking various measures, including focusing on biofuels, to ease the cost of crude oil import, Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan said on Monday. He told the Lok Sabha that the government is focusing on biofuels such as first and second generation
July 30, 2018 Read Full Article
Biofuels: A Straightforward Fix for US Farmers’ Tariff Exposure to China?
by Jim Lane (Biofuels Digest) This is the first of a two-part series in which we look at strategic shifts in global commodity prices and policies that could dramatically impact the outlook for biofuels, In this part, we look at grain