Press Releases
Picture caption: Minneswaska Area High School students (left) and West Central Area Secondary School students (right)
Benson, Oct 14 - Chippewa Valley Ethanol Company (CVEC) hosted plant tours for two schools earlier this week.
On Oct 11, CVEC welcomed 25 students from Minnewaska Area High School’s agriculture processing class followed by 13 students from West Central Area Secondary School’s plant science class on Oct 13.
“One of our goals in hosting tours for students at our facility is to have them learn about our state’s agriculture and ethanol industries. We also want students to walk away with a better understanding of the important role the ethanol industry plays in bolstering rural economies, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, promoting energy independence and providing savings at the gas pump,” said Chad Friese, CEO of CVEC.
During both tours, students were briefed on the different stages of ethanol production such as incoming grain grading, grain handling, fermentation, grain storage, dried distillers grain production and storage, ethanol storage and shipment.
“The ag processing class explores many different processes of agricultural products and how they can be used. This tour helped the students learn and understand yet another process that turns one product into many different usable products and how that plays into their everyday lives. This tour also helped reinforce the lesson that, in the agricultural industry, we utilize every part of the original product, with many different byproducts, and that we do not waste anything,” said Nick Milbrandt, agriculture teacher at Minnewaska Area High School.
Both tours were organized by the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association (MN Bio-Fuels). CVEC is a member of MN Bio-Fuels.
“The CVEC tour was a great way to inform students about the process of producing ethanol and the relationship that ethanol production has with the agriculture industry and local community growth. What is more important with students now is that this tour introduces them to the ethanol industry at a time when there is serious debate about our future fuel options.”
“Fuel sources such as petroleum and large-scale electrical production, such as coal fired power plants, do not have production sites nearby and this gave our students an opportunity to see large scale renewable fuel production right in our backyard. We have taken this tour before and always enjoy the ethanol industry reaching out to schools to get students some real-life experiences,” said Eric Sawatzke, agriculture teacher at West Central Area Secondary School.
Minneapolis, Oct 19 - The Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association (MN Bio-Fuels), along with other biofuel and agriculture stakeholders in the state, sent a letter to Gov. Tim Walz on Oct 17 asking him to remain committed to a regulatory solution that will ensure the year-round availability of E15.
In April this year, eight Midwest governors, including Walz, asked the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to begin a rulemaking process to remove unnecessary and outdated regulations that prevent the sale of E15 during the summer driving season.
The governors are asking the EPA to remove the 1-PSI Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) waiver for E10 blends. This action would eliminate the current disparity between E10 and E15 and place both fuels on equal regulatory footing in the summer months.
“We thank Gov. Walz for collaborating with other Midwest governors to find a regulatory solution that will allow E15 to be sold year-round in Minnesota. As oil industry pressure to retreat from putting E15 on equal regulatory footing increases, we ask him to remain committed to this commonsense solution so that Minnesotans may fully realize the economic and environmental benefits of E15,” said Brian Werner, executive director of MN Bio-Fuels.
Besides MN Bio-Fuels, the other signatories on the letter were the Minnesota Corn Growers Association, the Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation, the Minnesota Farmers Union (MFU), POET LLC and Green Plains Inc.
“The Minnesota Corn Growers Association is extremely appreciative of Governor Walz’s continued efforts to ensure year-round consumer access to E15. We thank Governor Walz for working with a bipartisan group of Midwestern governors to exercise their authority under the Clean Air Act to ensure E15 can be sold year-round. Minnesota leads the nation in the number of fuel retailers offering higher ethanol blends to consumers and this action will help to ensure uninterrupted market access beginning June 1, 2023,” said Richard Syverson, president of the Minnesota Corn Growers Association.
According to the Minnesota Department of Commerce, E15 sales in Minnesota from June to August this year was 27.25 million gallons, 12 percent higher than the volume sold in the preceding three months.
“Minnesota Farmers Union leaders were instrumental in building the state’s biofuels industry and Gov. Tim Walz has been a reliable champion. Biofuels are a win-win-win, providing markets for family farmers while providing jobs in rural areas and reducing greenhouse gas emissions,” said Gary Wertish, president of MFU. “We thank Gov. Walz for his continued support of year-round E15 and lower cost fuel at the pump.”
Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation President, Dan Glessing, said the organization appreciates Gov. Walz’ bipartisan efforts to ensure access to E15.
“Higher ethanol blends provide consumers with cleaner, more affordable fuels, farmers with new markets for their crops, and jobs across the state,” he said.
Read the full letter here.
Lamberton, Nov 10 - Students from Red Rock Central Public School’s agriculture class toured Highwater Ethanol yesterday to learn about the ethanol industry.
“We are pleased to once again welcome students from Red Rock Central. These tours give us an opportunity to showcase how clean, renewable energy is produced here in Lamberton, in addition to leaving students with a better appreciation for the important role our industry plays in bolstering rural economies, improving air quality and in advancing energy independence,” said Brian Kletscher, CEO of Highwater Ethanol.
During the tour, the students were briefed on the different stages of ethanol production such as incoming grain grading, grain handling, fermentation, grain storage, dried distillers grain production and storage, ethanol storage and shipment.
The students who participated in the tour were seventh graders. Yesterday’s tour was the second time Red Rock Central Public School has visited Highwater Ethanol this year. Eleven students from the school toured the plant in March.
“Highwater Ethanol continues to be such a crucial part of our agricultural-based communities so it is important that we show our students the opportunities available to them just outside our door,” said Rachel Moe, agriculture science teacher at Red Rock Central Public School.
Yesterday’s tour was organized by the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association (MN Bio-Fuels). HIghwater Ethanol is a member of MN Bio-Fuels.
Janesville, Nov 30 - Seven students from Minnesota State University, Mankato’s agroecology class visited Guardian Energy on Nov 17 to learn more about ethanol production.
During their visit, the students gained a better understanding of the various components of the ethanol production process such as incoming grain grading, grain handling, fermentation, grain storage, dried distillers grain production and storage, ethanol storage and shipment.
The students were also briefed on Minnesota’s ethanol industry.
“As producers of clean, renewable energy from locally-grown corn, we are always happy to welcome students interested in learning more about ethanol production. These tours also provide us with an opportunity to talk more about the positive impact our industry has on strengthening rural economies, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, reducing prices at the pump and promoting energy independence,” said Jeanne McCaherty, CEO of Guardian Energy.
Minnesota State Mankato’s tour of Guardian Energy was the second time students from the university have visited Guardian Energy this year. In September, students from its bioengineering class visited the plant.
Both tours were organized by the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association (MN Bio-Fuels). Guardian Energy is a member of MN Bio-Fuels.
Chris Ruhland, professor of biological sciences at Minnesota State Mankato, accompanied his students on the Nov 17 tour.
“More than ever, students recognize that renewable fuels are becoming an increasingly important part of the global economy. Having students observe how ethanol is made – from the unloading of corn kernels to the loading of ethanol into tank cars, students get to see the entire process close up. A firm understanding of how the energy contained within the corn kernel is extracted is an essential part of our agroecology class,” he said.
Minneapolis, Dec 1 - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today issued its proposed renewable volume obligation (RVO) targets for 2023, 2024 and 2025.
For 2023, the agency is proposing an RVO of 20.82 billion gallons, which includes 15 billion gallons of conventional ethanol.
In addition, a supplemental volume of 250 million gallons of ethanol will be added to the 2023 RVO to address the remand of the 2014-2016 annual rule by the DC Circuit Court of Appeals in Americans for Clean Energy vs EPA.
For 2024 and 2025, the EPA is proposing an RVO of 15.25 billion gallons of conventional ethanol for both years.
The Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association’s executive director, Brian Werner, said: "Minnesota ethanol is a readily available renewable energy solution that offers consumers an affordable and cleaner option at the pump. We appreciate that the EPA’s proposed rule setting renewable fuel volumes for 2023 through 2025 provides for continued growth in the production and use of low-carbon ethanol. Once finalized, this rule will send a strong signal about the important role that ethanol can continue to play in reducing emissions, enhancing domestic energy security, and creating rural jobs."
Picture caption (from left to right): Jeff Oestmann, Board vice-president of MN Bio-Fuels, and Brian Werner, executive director of MN Bio-Fuels, at the launch of MN Bio-Fuels' 2022 Annual Report.
Minneapolis, Dec 15 - The Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association (MN Bio-Fuels) released its 2022 Annual Report to its members at an event in Bloomington yesterday.
“As the critical need to decarbonize transportation, reduce dependence on imported oil, and save consumers money at the pump grows, the leadership opportunities for biofuels grow, too. That’s why I was glad to join with our members and supporters at our annual report event to talk about what MN Bio-Fuels has accomplished in 2022 but, more importantly, to talk about the path forward in 2023,” said Brian Werner, executive director at MN Bio-Fuels.
The 2022 Annual Report highlights MN Bio-Fuels work in the areas of advocacy, communications and fuel marketing and supply chain.
In terms of advocacy, MN Bio-Fuels played a key role in securing $6 million for a biofuel infrastructure grant program and assisted retailers in securing the grant funding. MN Bio-Fuels also worked with other industry stakeholders in urging Gov. Tim Walz to remain committed to a regulatory solution that will ensure year-round E15 availability.
Other highlights during the year included record E15 sales in Minnesota. In October, sales totaled 9.58 million gallons - a new record. Werner said E15 sales exceeded the 9-million-gallon mark for the first time ever in July and has remained at that level since.
For next year, he said new opportunities and challenges await Minnesota’s ethanol industry.
“Minnesota’s leadership on biofuel policy is needed now more than ever so I look forward to doubling-down on our work to foster a homegrown source of transportation fuel that is better for consumers, better for the environment, and better for rural economies,” Werner said.
Read the 2022 Annual Report here
Minneapolis, Dec 20 - Carbon capture, transportation and storage provider, Summit Carbon Solutions, has joined the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association (MN Bio-Fuels) as a vendor member.
“Summit Carbon Solutions is helping create new economic and environmental opportunities for the ethanol industry. We are glad to welcome them as our newest member. MN Bio-Fuels is stronger because of the many agriculture and industry partners that are working with us on our common goals of lowering emissions and strengthening rural communities,” said Brian Werner, executive director at MN Bio-Fuels.
Established in early 2021, Summit Carbon Solutions is partnering with 32 ethanol plants across five states in the Midwest to develop the largest carbon capture, transportation and storage project in the world. The five states are Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota.
The project aims to capture and compress carbon dioxide from these ethanol plants and channel it to deep underground storage locations in North Dakota where it will be permanently stored.
In Minnesota, Summit Carbon Solutions has signed long-term agreements with Granite Falls Energy, Highwater Ethanol, Heron Lake Bioenergy, Bushmills Ethanol and the Green Plains plants in Fergus Falls and Fairmont.
Scott O’Konek, Minnesota Project Manager at Summit Carbon Solutions, said the project will create jobs, improve environmental outcomes and drive growth in critical industries such as ethanol and agriculture.
“Summit Carbon Solutions is pleased to join the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association and work together to open new economic opportunities for ethanol producers and strengthen the agricultural marketplace for our farmers.”
"These two industries, ethanol and agriculture, remain critical to the Minnesota economy and contribute billions of dollars annually to the state’s GDP. The partnership between Summit and the Bio-Fuels Association will help ensure these industries remain strong long-term,” he said.
Picture caption: Summit Carbon Solutions' project footprint
Learn more about Summit Carbon Solutions here.
Learn about the partnership between Summit Carbon Solutions and Highwater Ethanol here.
Minneapolis, Jan 26- This week, Gov. Tim Walz announced a budget proposal for fiscal year (FY) 2024 and 2025, which includes Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association (MN Bio-Fuels) priorities related to expanding biofuel infrastructure and incentivizing the production of advanced biofuels.
In the proposal, the governor recommends an increase of $1.5 million per year in FY2024 and 2025 for the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Growth, Research and Innovation (AGRI) program for biofuels infrastructure to increase the availability of E15 in the state.
The proposal also recommends additional funding for the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s AGRI’s Bioincentive program to spur commercial-scale production of advanced biofuels, renewable chemicals and biomass thermal energy over both fiscal years.
“We are pleased that Gov. Walz has proposed funding for Minnesota’s bio-based economy in his budget recommendations for the next biennium. The strong investments for biofuel infrastructure and advanced biofuel production will lead to fewer greenhouse gas emissions, lower prices at the pump, and more economic opportunity for farmers and rural communities. We look forward to working with legislators in both parties and the Walz administration to see these critical resources advance through the budget process,” said Brian Werner, executive director at MN Bio-Fuels.
The proposed $3 million for biofuels infrastructure in the governor’s budget is in addition to $6 million in grant funding proposed for the AGRI program for FY2024 and 2025. These grants are to assist fuel retailers in upgrading their equipment to be able to sell E15 and higher blends of ethanol.
In FY2022 and 2023, the AGRI program allocated $6 million for biofuel infrastructure funding. An additional $1 million in funding for the program was provided by the Minnesota Corn Growers Association. MN Bio-Fuels provided assistance in the application process for 15 of the 44 retailers that received the grants.
“E15/Unleaded 88 appears to be on its way to becoming the “new normal” and most of the retail fuel stations in Minnesota have incompatible infrastructure,” the proposal said.
From January to November 2022, 95.85 million gallons of E15 was sold in Minnesota, 10 percent higher than the 87.11 million gallons sold for the whole of 2021.
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Picture Caption (from left to right): Gary Anderson, CEO of Heartland Corn Products, Sen. Aric Putnam (Disctrict 14), Sen. Rob Kupec (District 4), Brian Werner, executive director at MN Bio-Fuels and Jennifer Roepke, lab manager at Heartland Corn Products.
Minneapolis, Feb 6 - Minnesota State Senators Aric Putnam (District 14) and Rob Kupec (District 4) visited Heartland Corn Products in Winthrop on Feb 3 to learn more about Minnesota’s ethanol industry.
“MN Bio-Fuels sincerely appreciated the opportunity to host Senators Aric Putnam and Rob Kupec at Heartland Corn Products and show them firsthand how Minnesota’s ethanol industry is positively contributing to our economy and our environment. The best way to learn about the important role that biofuels play in rural communities is to see the facilities up-close and visit with the workers and farmers that make it all possible. We thank the Senators for making the trip and for their commitment as leaders on the Senate Agriculture Committee to partner with us on policy that drives further reductions in air emissions and prices at the pump through low-carbon, low-cost ethanol production,” said Brian Werner, executive director at MN Bio-Fuels.
During their visit, the senators were given a tour of Heartland Corn Products to better understand the ethanol production process.
They were briefed on the impact the ethanol industry has on Minnesota’s economy, the number of jobs it supports and its role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the state.
Additionally, they learned about co-products from the ethanol production process such as dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) - a high protein animal feed - and corn oil, which is used to produce biodiesel and renewable diesel. Also present during the visit were representatives from the Minnesota Corn Growers Association.
“Recently I was able to visit Heartland Corn Products in Winthrop. It’s a fascinating place where good people are helping agriculture help the rest of us make the planet a little cleaner. They create ethanol, good jobs, and feed for livestock, all at the same time. Corn is a beautiful thing. It can do so much when combined with creativity and industry. And butter,” Putnam said.
Putnam and Kupec are chair and vice-chair respectively on the Minnesota Senate’s Agriculture, Broadband and Rural Development committee.
“I had a great tour of the Heartland Corn Products ethanol plant in Winthrop, Minnesota. It was interesting to see how the process worked, the impact on the local economy and the future of ethanol as part of a cleaner energy future,” Kupec said.
Picture caption (from left to right): Putnam, Werner and Kupec during the plant tour.
Minneapolis, Feb 10 - The Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association (MN Bio-Fuels) submitted today its comments to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on the latter’s proposed renewable volume obligation (RVO) targets for 2023, 2024 and 2025.
In December 2022, the EPA announced an RVO target of 15 billion gallons of conventional ethanol for 2023 and 15.25 billion gallons for both 2024 and 2025. In addition, it proposed a supplemental volume of 250 million gallons to be added to the 2023 RVO.
In comments to the EPA, MN Bio-Fuels executive director Brian Werner said that the proposed rule establishes a firm foundation for the future and creates a pathway for sustainable growth in the production and use of low-carbon ethanol.
To build on that foundation, in the letter, MN Bio-Fuels encouraged the EPA to take several actions when finalizing the proposal including:
- Setting the implied conventional renewable fuel volumes at the aforementioned targets, which would send a strong signal that there will be a buyer for D6 volumes produced for the next three compliance years.
- Continuing the implementation of the 2023 supplemented volume of 250 million gallons would finally bring the EPA into full compliance with the DC Circuit Court of Appeals’ remand of the 2016 RVO rule in Americans for Clean Energy vs EPA.
- Increase D3 cellulosic biofuel volumes by up to 250 million gallons a year from 2023 to 2025 “so that cellulosic biofuels made from corn kernel fiber are given the opportunity to advance in the marketplace.
- Remaining consistent with the holdings of the Tenth Circuite Court's decision in Renewable Fuels Association vs EPA in denying small refinery waivers during the three compliance years.
Finally, Werner said, "...biofuels can do even more to help increase energy security and reduce costs for consumers while providing environmental benefits."
In the letter, MN Bio-Fuels encouraged the EPA to implement the outstanding regulatory action to remove the 1-PSI volatility waiver for gasoline-ethanol blends in Midwest states so that E15 (Unleaded 88) can be sold in the summer of 2023 and adopt the US Department of Energy's Argonne GREET model for lifecycle assessments.
Read MN Bio-Fuels’ full comments to the EPA here.
Minneapolis, Feb 15 - For the first time ever, annual E15 sales in Minnesota breached the 100-million-gallon mark with 105.47 million gallons sold in 2022.
According to data from the Minnesota Department of Commerce, this represented a 21 percent increase from the previous record of 87.11 million gallons sold in 2021.
“The record E15 sales last year reported by the Minnesota Department of Commerce demonstrate that when consumers go to the pump they want a cheaper, more environmentally friendly option. E15 provides that option and we need our state and federal policymakers to double down on biofuel infrastructure investments and summertime regulatory relief so that its benefits are available to consumers year-round and at every gas station in the state,” said Brian Werner, executive director at the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association.
E15 sales in December was 9.57 million gallons, slightly higher than the 9.42 million gallons sold in November.
Apart from breaching the 100-million-gallon mark, there were other records broken in 2022.
In October, monthly E15 sales exceeded 10 million gallons for the first time with 10.07 million gallons sold.
The volume sold in December was also the sixth straight month E15 sales had exceeded 9 million gallons and the eight straight month it was over 8 million gallons. In 2021, monthly E15 sales in Minnesota surpassed the 8-million-gallon mark only once.
Meanwhile, E85 sales in Minnesota in 2022 totaled 15.38 million gallons, based on data from the Minnesota Department of Revenue.
This represented a 28 percent increase from the volume of E85 sold in the state in 2021 (11.96 million gallons).
Minneapolis, Feb 17 - Fire protection service provider, Viking Fire Protection Group, has joined the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association (MN Bio-Fuels) as a vendor member.
“The producer members of MN Bio-Fuels operate facilities that require advanced fire protection systems. That’s why we are glad to welcome Viking Fire Protection Group as our newest member. We look forward to working with them to provide additional safety protections for ethanol production facilities, the workers they employ, and the low-carbon fuels they generate,” said Brian Werner, executive director of MN Bio-Fuels.
Headquartered in St Paul, Minnesota, Viking Fire Protection Group has specialized in fire protection since 1924 and offers fire protection systems and services to customers throughout the Midwest and Southeast regions of the United States.
The company handles all phases of fire protection, including engineering and design, project management, installation, inspection, repair and maintenance, alarm and detection, sprinkler and suppression systems and fire extinguishers.
Kelly Davidson, business development at Viking Fire Protection Group, said the company has played a large role in the protection of ethanol facilities over the years and joined MN Bio-Fuels to increase its engagement with the industry.
“Viking has a long-standing history in the ethanol and biofuels market. Being part of the engineering and installation over the past years has brought us with great relationships and opportunities,” Davidson said.
He said the company’s qualified sprinkler, alarm, special hazard and fire extinguisher professionals recognize the unique needs of each customer, adding regulatory codes, insurance specifications, environmental and operational concerns are routinely balanced within budget parameters.
Davidson said the company’s in-house staff of CAD (computer-assisted design)—based engineering technicians, project managers, and experienced field installation and service technicians are specialists, qualified to evaluate, layout, fabricate, install and service optimal fire protection systems on time and on budget.
Learn more about Viking Fire Protection Group here.
Minneapolis, Mar 1 - The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a proposed rule today to allow year-long E15 sales in several midwestern states following a petition by Midwestern governors for a reid vapor pressure (RVP) waiver request for E15. The rule, however, will not take effect until 2024.
“We appreciate the leadership of Gov. Tim Walz and the group of Midwest Governors that helped push for this long-overdue regulatory solution to provide year-round access to savings at the pump from Minnesota grown and produced biofuels. While today’s proposed action to expand access to E15 in 2024 is much-needed, EPA’s delay in approving the Governor’s petition has created immediate uncertainty for the 425 retail stations in Minnesota that sold over 100 million gallons of E15 fuel last year. We will continue advocating for a short-term solution to ensure that the sale of lower-emission, lower-priced biofuels are not needlessly interrupted this summer,” said Brian Werner, executive director at the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association.
In April 2022, eight Midwestern governors, including Walz, asked the EPA to begin a rule making process to remove the 1-PSI RVP waiver for E10 blends, which would eliminate the current disparity between E10 and E15 and ensure E15 can be sold year-long.
In 2022, E15 sales in Minnesota breached the 100-million-gallon mark for the first time ever with 105.47 million gallons sold.
Winthrop, March 14 - Nineteen students from New Ulm High School toured Heartland Corn Products today to learn about ethanol production.
“It was a pleasure to welcome students from New Ulm High School to our facility. We have a great story to share and these tours give us an opportunity to do so by showcasing clean, renewable energy being made in their backyard which also contributes to the local economy, reduces harmful emissions, lower prices at the pumps and moves us in the direction of energy independence,” said Gary Anderson, CEO at Heartland Corn Products.
The tour was organized by the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association (MN Bio-Fuels). Heartland Corn Products is a member of MN Bio-Fuels.
During the tour, the students were learned about the various stages of ethanol production such as incoming grain grading, grain handling, fermentation, grain storage, dried distillers grain production and storage, ethanol storage and shipment.
The students that participated in the tour were from grades 10 to 12 and were from the school’s advanced natural resources class.
Jeff Nelson, agriculture teacher at New Ulm High School, accompanied his students during today’s tour at Heartland Corn Products.
“I believe students learn best when being immersed in real world experiences where hands-on learning comes alive. Students get to understand why leadership and career skills are so vital in today’s industries. When students saw how ethanol was created from field to tank it resonated to how agriculture and energy production impact local communities and economies,” he said.
Claremont, March 17 - Twelve students from Triton High School’s agricultural economics class visited Al-Corn Clean Fuel on March 15 to get a better understanding of renewable energy production.
“We were pleased to welcome and share our story with students from Triton High School. By sharing our knowledge, we have the opportunity to showcase clean, renewable energy being produced right here in Claremont which lowers our greenhouse gas emissions, reduces prices at the pump, promotes energy independence and strengthens rural economies,” said Thomas Harwood, CEO of Al-Corn Clean Fuel.
During their 45-minute visit, the students learned about the various stages of ethanol production such as incoming grain grading, grain handling, fermentation, grain storage, ethanol storage and shipment and dried distillers grains production and storage.
The students that participated in the tour were from grades 11 to 12.
The tour was organized by the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association (MN Bio-Fuels). Al-Corn Clean Fuel is a member of MN Bio-Fuels.
Robert Ickler, agriscience instructor at Triton High School, accompanied his students for the tour.
“My students had the opportunity to see for themselves an end-user of corn and its many byproducts,” he said.
Minneapolis, March 20 - Minnesota’s ethanol industry contributed $2.7 billion to the state’s gross domestic product (GDP) in 2022, according to a new study by the University of Minnesota Extension.
In 2022, the industry produced 1.34 billion gallons of ethanol, up from 1.27 billion gallons in 2021. This resulted in $8 billion in economic activity through sales and supported 25,820 jobs in Minnesota, the study said.
The study said the ethanol industry also contributed $1.9 billion in income for Minnesota residents and paid $183.8 million in state and local taxes in 2022.
“This economic impact report from the University of Minnesota Extension shows that the ethanol industry continues to play a major role in Minnesota’s economy. Among other critical findings, the report notes that last year ethanol plants across the state purchased 479 million bushels of corn from Minnesota farmers, employed nearly 26,000 Minnesotans, produced 3.95 million tons of dried distillers grains for Minnesota livestock, and 409 million pounds of corn oil for biodiesel and sustainable aviation fuel applications. The takeaway, as the report so succinctly states, is that ‘ethanol production creates economic activity in Minnesota’,” said Brian Werner, executive director at the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association (MN Bio-Fuels).
The study said the 3.95 million tons of dried distillers grains produced in 2022 was enough to support 1.9 million cows, 2.4 million pigs and 59.3 million turkeys and chickens.
“For context, Minnesota farms have 2.2 million cattle, 8.6 million pigs, and 37.5 million head of turkeys,” the study said.
In addition, the study said the 409 million pounds of corn oil produced by Minnesota’s ethanol industry in 2022 was sufficient to produce 53.1 million gallons of biodiesel. Minnesota’s biodiesel production capacity is 85.5 million gallons.
The study by the University of Minnesota Extension was sponsored by MN Bio-Fuels.